NSF Invests $10M In AI Research At HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions

The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced an investment to enhance diversity and inclusion within the artificial intelligence (AI) research community. 

The NSF has allocated $10 million in grants to seven innovative projects in collaboration with the Departments of Homeland Security, Agriculture, Defense, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

These initiatives aim to strengthen AI research and education at minority-serving institutions (MSIs), including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

A Diverse AI Research Community

The new round of ExpandAI awards is a strategic move to cultivate a diverse AI workforce and ensure that AI’s benefits are accessible to all communities. 

“By fostering a diverse community of AI researchers and cultivating an inclusive workforce, we ensure that the voices of researchers across our country are represented in the development of this transformative technology,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.

“This is not just about advancing AI; it’s about ensuring that AI innovation supports and benefits the entire nation, leaving no one behind.”

Grant Recipients

Among the institutions receiving grants, four will focus on establishing AI research programs:

• Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will build a robust AI research infrastructure and curriculum, mainly supporting underrepresented Hispanic and female researchers.
• Bowie State University (BSU) will develop AI infrastructure, provide training, and create AI-related educational modules to empower underrepresented groups.
• Savannah State University (SSU) will establish an AI research center dedicated to monitoring environmental contaminants, which will benefit low-income and underserved communities.
• Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will create the first graduate degree programs in AI at an HBCU, forming the NSF AI Hub at CAU.

Three additional universities will use the funding to expand their existing AI research capabilities:

• Alabama A&M University (AAMU) will enhance its AI capabilities, particularly in swarm computing, and integrate advanced AI research areas into its educational offerings.
• San Diego State University (SDSU) will expand its AI research, education, and infrastructure capacity, focusing on cultivating diverse talent for the AI workforce.
• Arizona State University (ASU) will advance expertise in robust machine learning, reinforcement learning, and robotics, focusing on health and wellness applications.

Image Credit: Bowie State University