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
News & Events
Discover the latest in AI Research around the university.
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Upcoming Events
February 12, 2026
UF/IFAS FAWG
UF/IFAS AI Summit 2026
UF/IFAS FAWG and the Research Dean’s Office are hosting UF/IFAS AI Summit 2026 February 12, 2026, 8:30am-4:30pm at Emerson Alumni Hall. It will be a day filled with exciting presentations, discussions, panels, and networking opportunities centered around the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
February 16-17, 2026
UF College of Medicine
UF AI for Health Institute: Inaugural Frontier Scholars in AI and Health
TThe UF AI for Health Institute presents the inaugural Frontier Scholars in AI and Health program featuring Christopher Tignanelli, MD, MS, MBA, a national leader in AI-enabled decision support for surgery and critical care. Dr. Tignanelli brings a rare combination: clinical expertise in acute care surgery and a track record of actually implementing and evaluating AI tools in practice—not just developing them. For more details and schedule, and to REGISTER: https://com-ic3-center.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/fsaih/ Questions? Contact Cora Hart at cora.hart@medicine.ufl.edu.
THREE SESSIONS
Seminar: From Algorithms to Bedside – AI and Decision Support in Acute Care Surgery
Monday, February 16 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Communicore C1-015 or Zoom
Workshop: Clinical AI Chalk Talks – From Idea to Impact
Tuesday, February 17 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Malachowsky Hall 2400
Featuring Oberndorf AI Scholars and AI Catalyst Awardees
Lunch provided
Expert Panel: Building a Career in Clinical & Biomedical AI – Pathways and Leadership
Tuesday, February 17 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | CTRB 2161
Reception starting at 5:30
February 17, 2026
Strategic Research Development
ARPA-E Program Director Seminar
UF Research Strategic Research Development Office is hosting the upcoming seminar by Dr. Steven Singer on The Future of Agriculture at ARPA-E. Dr. Singer is a Program Director for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) and is a Senior Scientist in the Biological Systems and Engineering Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory where his work focuses on nitrogen and carbon management in agriculture and biomanufacturing. After the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Singer and ARPA-E Technology-to-Market advisors, Dr. David Lee and Dr. Truong Nguyen. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with technical leaders from a federal funding agency and gain insight into ARPA-E priorities and funding strategies. Location: Reitz Union Room 2340 Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. RSVP: Register by February 12, 2026 (see flyer or link)
February 19, 2026
Strategic Research Development: PURC Panel
Securing Florida’s Energy & Water Infrastructure in the Age of AI
Don’t miss SRD’s Feb 19 panel (1:30–3:00 pm) on Securing Florida’s Energy & Water Infrastructure in the Age of AI at the upcoming PURC Annual Conference, featuring a spotlight talk by Megan Culler (Idaho National Lab) on cyber-informed engineering, as lead-in to the panel discussion. The event is free for all UF faculty, staff, and students with registration.
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




