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:

ONE

AI and Informatics Techniques and Technologies

Research into the hardware, software, algorithms, and mathematical approaches needed to develop the next generation of intelligent techniques and technologies. This also includes supporting infrastructure for computation, bandwidth and storage.

TWO

Biomedical and Life Science Informatics and AI Applications

Use of AI and informatics to address fundamental questions in genetics, genomics, biodiversity, environment, agricultural science, as well as its application for improved human health outcomes.

THREE

AI and Informatics for Engineered Systems and the Physical Sciences

Application of intense computation and complex AI and informatics to understand and design complex engineered systems, and to uncover the fundamental nature of our physical world and universe.

FOUR

AI and Informatics in Social Science, Humanities and Education

Leveraging the explosion of data in understanding people, cultures, political development, education, and human behavior.

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

News & Events


Discover the latest in AI Research around the university.

DSI Wins UF Organization of the Year

Data Science & Informatics (DSI) has been chosen as the Organization of the Year Award. The Student Engagement Involvement Awards are held every year and are for every single organization […]

2025 DSI Symposium Reached New Heights

The Data Science and Informatics (DSI) student organization held its 2025 Symposium, Saturday, April 5th and it exceeded expectations. This full-day event featured 16 professional speakers from industry and academia, […]

Matheus Kunzler Maldaner Inducted in the UF Hall of Fame

Matheus Kunzler Maldaner, President of the Data Science and Informatics (DSI) student organization, was inducted in the University of Florida Hall of Fame in March 2025. According to the UF […]

From problem to on-farm solution: The journey of one UF/IFAS AI technology

Hurricane Irma served as a turning point for UF’s Yiannis Ampatzidis, highlighting the urgent need to find innovative solutions to address challenges in agriculture.

One AI-based advancement at a time, UF leaders are transforming the sports industry

As emerging technologies like AI reshape sport industries and professional demands evolve, it is essential for students to graduate with the expertise to thrive in their future careers. To ensure that these students are set up for success, the UF College of Health & Human Performance has launched a new sports analytics program.

AI technology uses less herbicide to kill weeds

Vegetable growers use herbicides to kill weeds to prevent crop loss. Meanwhile, a UF researcher is using AI to reduce herbicide sprayed on crops. The researcher developed and evaluated a precision-spraying system designed to make sure herbicide goes through the holes that scientists punch in the plastic mulch and into the soil where tomatoes are growing.

Think you can cheat with AI? A UF professor creates watermarks to detect AI-generated writing

AI is putting instructors and employers in an awkward position when it comes to accepting written work, leaving them wondering: Who wrote this? A human or AI? A UF engineering professor is developing a digital watermark that could remove the guesswork and actually flag AI-generated text when someone submits their writing.

The University of Florida’s ‘AI Queen’ is using AI technology to help prevent dementia

Aprinda Indahlastari Queen, Ph.D., is applying AI technology to study transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS — a technique that involves placing electrodes on the scalp to deliver a weak electrical current to the brain — as a possible way to prevent dementia.

Drone overlaid in foreground of image, with building construction in the background.

AI in Construction

Boyi Hu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University of Florida (UF) has received funding from the National Science Foundation in support of his research to explore potential safety and health implications of construction crews working alongside collaborative drones (co-drones) on construction job sites.

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