Syracuse University unites AI research across four schools

Syracuse University has appointed Paulo Shakarian, the KG Tan Endowed Professor of Artificial Intelligence, as director of its newly launched Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The Institute unites researchers from four schools, engineering, information science, public policy, and communications, to accelerate both the technical development and responsible application of artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence is one of the defining research challenges of this decade, and Syracuse is making a serious commitment to it,” says Duncan Brown, vice president for research, as the university builds a collaborative environment for impactful AI research. Further information is available at instituteai.syracuse.edu.

Paulo Shakarian Directs New Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Paulo Shakarian’s appointment as director for Artificial Intelligence at Syracuse University signals a concentrated focus on engineering-driven solutions within the field. The institute’s structure integrates expertise from multiple disciplines, establishing research areas focused on AI’s application to security, multi-domain intelligence, socio-cognitive dynamics, and governance. The institute’s research agenda prioritizes AI and Security, encompassing work on cybersecurity applications, the security of AI systems themselves, and methods for formal verification and vulnerability discovery.

This emphasis reflects a growing concern within the field regarding the potential for malicious use of AI and the need for robust defenses. Complementing this is research into Multidomain Intelligence, concentrating on sensing and perception technologies, including signal and image analysis, and the development of energy-efficient AI systems for deployment in diverse environments.

Johannes Himmelreich, associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs will serve as associate director and executive committee vice chair, bringing a perspective on the ethical and societal implications of these technologies. Beyond the technical aspects, the institute will actively investigate AI’s influence on human cognition, communication, and social networks through its AI in Socio-Cognitive Dynamics research area. This line of inquiry acknowledges that AI is not operating in a vacuum, but rather is increasingly interwoven with human behavior and social structures.

“We’re building a research community that is equipped to tackle AI’s hardest technical problems alongside its societal implications,” says Shakarian. “We envision a future of resilient AI systems that lead to high impact applications.” The institute also plans to engage with policy frameworks surrounding AI development and deployment, focusing on trustworthy AI, AI safety, and responsible global governance through its AI for Governance and Policy research area.

Federal research agencies and industry partners are expected to contribute to the institute’s work through collaborative projects and funding agreements, further solidifying its position as a hub for innovation. Planned public events, including workshops and symposia will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration with the broader AI community.

One such event, the Workshop on Contested and Distributed Multi-Domain Decision Making, sponsored by the Army Research Office will examine AI’s role in decision-making across electronic warfare, radar, aerial, and space domains. Another, the METACOG-26 AAAI Symposium on Artificial Metacognition will focus on AI’s ability to reflect on its own processes. The institute’s launch is part of a broader expansion of AI-related academic programs at Syracuse University, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, AI-focused minors, and the AI Bootcamp for students.

This comprehensive approach aims to cultivate a skilled workforce and foster a thriving AI ecosystem within the university. “This institute reflects Syracuse University’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence research that is both rigorous and responsible,” Shakarian adds. The Institute for Artificial Intelligence is physically located on the second floor of Hinds Hall and for more information, visit instituteai.syracuse.edu.

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