The University at Albany (UAlbany) has been selected to join the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, a national research consortium focused on developing safe and trustworthy A.I. technology. With an emphasis on creating guardrails for advanced A.I. models, the consortium aims to explore the societal and technological complexities of A.I. and develop guidance for evaluating potentially harmful capabilities.
The Department of Commerce, under the guidance of President Biden, established the consortium, which brings together leaders from universities, government agencies, technology companies, and non-profit organizations in the A.I. community. Through collaborative efforts, these researchers will drive advancements in A.I. technology while prioritizing safety and privacy.
UAlbany’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Thenkurussi Kesavadas, expressed the university’s commitment to educating the next generation of A.I. researchers and practitioners. He stated, At UAlbany, we’re infusing teaching about A.I. across all our academic and research programs. This new consortium will play a critical role in harnessing the potential of these evolving technologies, while also prioritizing safety and privacy.
To support its A.I. research initiatives, UAlbany has established the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, serving as an interdisciplinary research hub for A.I. studies on campus. Last year, the university announced its plans to hire 27 new faculty members across 20 academic departments, all with expertise in artificial intelligence.
By contributing to the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, UAlbany joins a growing network of experts working towards the responsible development and deployment of A.I. technology. With guidance and collaboration from various stakeholders, the consortium aims to ensure that A.I. advancements align with societal needs, while minimizing any potential risks that may arise.
Through its involvement in the research consortium, UAlbany strengthens its position as a leading institution in A.I. studies. As the university continues to educate and nurture future A.I. professionals, its contributions to the consortium will shape the future of A.I. technology, emphasizing the importance of safety and trustworthiness.