Mission and Vision

Students collaborate on building and programming a small unmanned aerial vehicle during an engineering demonstration, highlighting teamwork, hands-on learning, and applied technology.

Mission

The Department of AI and Society (AIS) is committed to:

  • Conducting transdisciplinary research to develop new AI systems that are built via true collaboration across traditionally siloed disciplines by incorporating insights across AI and the arts, humanities and/or one or more of the social sciences.
  • Shaping the next generation of citizens who will contribute to our vision of a future world where AI systems are designed to be built by society, for society.
  • Respectfully and meaningfully engaging the community (broadly construed) in the process of creating these new AI systems.
  • Doing all of the above with humility in recognizing the limitations of AI. Specifically, being cognizant of the fact that sometimes AI might not be the solution for a societal problem.

Vision

The vision of the Department of AI and Society is to create a future world where AI systems are built by society, for society.

Innovative leadership in AI

A professor wearing a black "Avoid Negativity" T-shirt writes complex mathematical formulas on a whiteboard while speaking to a group of students seated around a conference table in a classroom or meeting room. A flat screen monitor is visible to the left, and reflections of people walking outside can be seen through a glass window.

The Department of AI and Society builds on UB’s unique and longstanding leadership in AI and its role as New York’s flagship university. AIS is a transdisciplinary hub focused on research, teaching and community outreach examining AI and its societal impact.

The department offers undergraduate degrees across an array of disciplines that combine coursework on AI technologies and the relationship between AI and society.

AIS is dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence for social good, helping to advance New York State’s priority to lead the AI revolution and next generation of innovation and progress.