Join Carolina’s new AI Community

Artificial intelligence is crucial for top-tier R1 universities like Carolina because it drives cutting-edge research, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and equips students with the skills needed to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Carolina’s AI efforts span schools, departments and units across all of campus, and central to those is its new AI Community, a hub designed to bring together students, faculty, researchers and industry partners. By uniting efforts across teaching, research and operations, this initiative ensures collaboration and accessibility at every level.

A Jan. 24 kickoff event at the Innovate Carolina Junction Innovation Hub will bring together students, faculty, leaders and community members to explore the transformative potential of AI across education, research and real-world applications.

The AI Community is designed to create meaningful connections and opportunities through events and resources hosted at the Innovate Carolina Junction. There are a variety of ways you can get involved with the new community.

Key programming includes:

• Innovation Kickoff and AI Networking Social: Using AI-powered tools to connect participants based on shared interests and goals paired with presentations from UNC AI leaders
• AI Tech Demo Day: Showcasing UNC researchers’ and startups’ innovations, with interactive workshops
• Creative Innovators Showcase: Exploring the intersection of AI, art and creativity through exhibitions and live demonstrations
• Future of AI and Innovation Panel: Discussing AI’s transformative potential across disciplines
• Future of Work Roundtable: Addressing the impact of AI on careers and workforce development.

To further strengthen connections across pathways, the AI Community will introduce a University-wide AI website. This centralized platform will serve as a hub for resources, including:

• Resource library with tools, publications and guidelines for using AI responsibly.
• Spotlights showcasing the latest AI initiatives, research and opportunities.
• Opportunities to get involved with the community and get engaged with the newsletter, events and other avenues for creating impact.

Part of Carolina’s AI initiative

The AI Community is a key addition to Carolina’s AI initiative, designed to unite a vibrant community of students, faculty and others to help shape the future of artificial intelligence use at Carolina.

Tar Heels have been innovating with AI for over a decade, producing more than 3,000 publications advancing the field. Earlier this year, Carolina launched its AI Acceleration Program, an initiative providing funding, mentorship and resources for groundbreaking AI projects.

“From AI-powered education tools to game-changing research in public health and sustainability, this initiative is setting the stage for a future where Carolina responsibly leads at the digital frontier with innovative applications of AI,” said Provost Chris Clemens.

To achieve its AI goals, UNC is building a framework across four core pathways: teaching, learning, research and operations.

Teaching: Empowering Faculty and Students

A tiered approach to faculty and student guidance will provide both beginners and advanced users with the tools and knowledge necessary to use AI effectively and responsibly. The Faculty Fellows Program will train 10-20 faculty members each year to serve as AI leaders across campus.

Learning: Enhancing Student Success

AI tools are being integrated into the learning experience to better prepare students for future careers. Programs like NebulaOne, an AI platform customized with UNC branding, will enhance the educational experience by offering personalized resources and tools. The phased rollout, starting with the Kenan-Flagler Business School, ensures that AI applications are tailored to specific departmental needs.

Research: Innovating Knowledge Creation

Collaborative efforts such as the Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Public Health highlight Carolina’s leadership in applying AI to healthcare, environmental monitoring and other fields.

Operations: Driving Efficiency and Impact

AI is transforming campus operations through enhanced data management, resource optimization and decision-making. With advanced analytics and AI tools, Carolina is streamlining administrative functions, improving campus sustainability and enhancing student services.