AI + Informatics Mini-Symposia Series
HiPerGator AI 2.0 Arrives
One of higher education’s fastest supercomputers arrives at the University of Florida; assembly begins later this month
New Semiconductor Research Institute
University of Florida to lead hub for $285 million semiconductor research institute
UF Researchers Develop New Training Method to Help AI Tools Learn Safely
A new approach to safer AI training
Inaugural AI Research Award Winners
Welcome to AIIRI
The UF Artificial Intelligence and Informatics Research Institute (AIIRI) aims to advance AI and informatics research at the University of Florida. AIIRI brings together preeminent researchers that explore many contemporary application areas from our institution. From science and medicine, or humanities to engineering, UF experts develop the tools and technologies to support and complement these studies. These collaborative efforts result in important conclusions across many fields.
A Vision for the Future
The institute aims to build a stronger UF AI research community, enhance our external AI visibility, and support AI research across campus with a focus on four major areas:
I believe one of the best ways to carry out research with impact is to tackle big challenges with a team that spans disciplines.
– Alina Zare, Director
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Upcoming Events
March 12, 2026
Electrical & Computer Engineering
ECE Distinguished Lecture Series Hosts Dr. Joshua Peeples
ECE is proud to welcome Dr. Joshua Peeples, Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Sciences (ECEN) Department at Texas A&M University. Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 1:00-2:00PM in 7200 Malachowsky Hall.
Title: Texture-Aware Representation Learning for Remote Sensing Image Classification and 3D Scene Reconstruction
Abstract: Texture cues play a central role in visual understanding, yet modern deep learning models often struggle to preserve both fine-scale and global structural information across diverse tasks. This talk presents recent advances in texture-aware representation learning that improve visual understanding across remote sensing image classification and 3D scene reconstruction. First, we introduce Neighborhood Feature Pooling (NFP), a lightweight architectural layer that enhances texture modeling by explicitly capturing local relational structure within feature representations. Easily integrated into existing deep networks, NFP improves remote sensing image classification by emphasizing subtle spatial patterns as well as improving class compactness and separability. Second, we present a wavelet-enhanced 3D Gaussian Splatting framework that addresses the challenge of reconstructing high-frequency detail under sparse or challenging imaging conditions. By incorporating Discrete Wavelet Transform–based supervision, the approach encourages representations that better preserve edges and structural geometry during reconstruction. Together, these works demonstrate how texture-aware learning principles can bridge recognition and reconstruction tasks, pointing toward richer texture-driven representations for remote sensing and beyond.
March 26-27, 2026
College of Education
National AI Literacy Day @ UF: Forging the Future of Learning with AI
National AI Literacy Day @ UF: Forging the Future of Learning with AI is a two-day, in-person conference to be held March 26–27, 2026, at the Norman Hall Conference Center.
This conference will bring together faculty, students, researchers, K–12 educators, and external partners to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging learning technologies are actively transforming teaching, learning, and research. While innovation is central to this event, our conversations will extend beyond technological advancement to emphasize the responsible and ethical integration of AI across educational environments. The program will feature keynote addresses, thematic roundtables, research posters, demonstrations, and panel discussions examining policy, practice, and scholarship in both higher education and K–12 settings.
Conference activities will begin with a pre-conference webinar on March 25 focused on school district AI policy. Additional engagement opportunities include a community-centered STEAM Night at Norton Elementary and an informal “Tech on Tap” social gathering designed to foster connection and collaboration.
March 29-April 1, 2026
UF AI2 Summit Artificial Intelligence and Academic Innovation
AI2 Summit 2026: Shaping the Future of AI in Higher Education
Join us for the UF AI2 Summit, March 29 – April 1, at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando. AI2 Summit is the premier gathering of academic leaders, educators, education technologists, and innovators committed to transforming artificial intelligence education. This year’s summit will focus on strategic integration of AI across higher education institutions—from leadership to classroom applications.
March 31 – April 2, 2026
AI in Ag Conference
5th AI in Ag Conference at NC State University
We look forward to your ideas, your research, and your partnership at the 5th AI in Ag Conference at NC State University on March 31 – April 2, 2026! 🌟 Nominate a speaker (keynote, plenary, or other invited speakers) by Sept 22,📄 Submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation by Oct 13,🤝 Become a sponsor and support the 2026 AI in Ag Conference
April 13, 2026
IFAS ABE
Facilitating the Development of the Next-Generation Digital Twins in Agriculture Bard Workshop
This public workshop (Day 1 of a 3-day international event) will bring together leading researchers and industry experts from the United States and Israel to discuss advances in Digital Twins, AI, and precision agriculture. The program features keynote and plenary talks, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering new collaborations and Bard proposal development in Digital Agriculture. Held Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center, this workshop is part of a three-day event supported by Bard. Day 1 is open to the public (maximum capacity: ~100 participants), while the remaining days will focus on invited experts and collaborative activities. The workshop will bring together approximately 20 leading experts from the U.S. and Israel, with one of the primary goals being the initiation and development of new Bard proposals centered on Digital Twins in Agriculture. The tentative agenda for Day 1 includes keynote and plenary talks from distinguished speakers across academia and industry, followed by a panel discussion and networking opportunities. Currently looking for individuals interested and available to provide the opening remarks. If interested, please contact Dr. Yiannis Ampatzidis at i.ampatzidis@ufl.edu.