The university's Board of Governors voted to approve the creation of the Institute for AI and DAta Science (AIDAS) at their Thursday afternoon meeting. The institute aims to build on existing AI research done by WSU and create a hub for AI and data science innovation that “fosters cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and workforce development,” the board recommendation submitted by interim President Richard Bierschbach said.
Wayne State is the latest Michigan university to create its own AI research center. Michigan Tech University's center has existed since fall 2022 and has contributed $12.8 million in research projects since. The University of Michigan announced its plans for an AI institute in line with the university’s Vision 2034 goal in March. Michigan State University has also announced plans for a center, with more information coming in the "near future."
Wayne State's center will be used by its campus community, government agencies, private businesses and public institutions, the board recommendation said. It aims to be a national leader in AI research and educate users on “ethical and safe” AI deployment, regulatory compliance, and mitigating unintended consequences of AI systems.
The board recommendation does not provide a total amount the institute is expected to cost but laid out a plan to receive federal grants and other sources of funding. Bierschbach pointed to the faculty who will be leading the project and their "strong history" of securing federal and industry grants.
Vice President for Research and Innovation Ezemenari Obasi said the institute would cost $200,000 over three years and would be funded by the Division of Research and Innovation. After that, he said, the institute was expected to find other sources of funding.
Obasi said the university will go through normal processes for approving partners related to the institute. Any organization or business is welcome to apply, and the university will review whether its operations align with the university's goals.
"Folks are interested in thinking about 'How can I apply AI in my industry sector?'" Obasi said. "We're happy to have those conversations ... and possibly create new things together."
Wayne State is also committed to the ethical use of AI, he said.
"For us, we care a lot about making sure that (AI) is not including a lot of bias that we see, for example," Obasi said. "AI is built by people, and they may intentionally or unintentionally bring their own biases into the programming of AI applications.
"We want to make sure that's thought through. We want to make sure people have access to AI and have the right education to be able to use it and make sure that they're not using it for harm."
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