UGA’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence: A Hub for AI Research and Education
Prashant Doshi, a seasoned computer science professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) with over 20 years in artificial intelligence (AI), recently marked two decades at the university. He was also appointed as the inaugural executive director of UGA’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, a role elevated from its previous director position to emphasize AI's growing significance on campus. Doshi was selected after a nationwide search to lead the institute’s continued growth.
“The executive director role reflects the importance UGA places on AI research and education,” Doshi explained.
Evolution of UGA’s AI Institute
The institute's roots trace back to 1984 when it started as a research program, making it one of the oldest formal AI research groups in the U.S. that offers degree programs. By 1987, UGA approved a master's degree in AI, at a time when such programs were rare nationwide.
Frederick Maier, associate director for academic programs at the institute, noted, “AI degrees have only become common across the country in the last 10-15 years.”
The research program transitioned to a center in 1995 and became an official institute in 2008, allowing it to offer degree programs. Maier oversees multiple academic offerings including a bachelor’s in cognitive science, master’s and PhD in AI, a cognitive science minor, and an AI certificate.
Today, the institute’s mission is threefold: advance AI science on campus, serve as a resource for AI expertise, and educate students and faculty.
Expanding AI Research Across Disciplines
Interest in AI surged globally around three to four years ago when advanced AI models gained public attention. This surge led UGA’s provost to initiate a hiring program for AI faculty, increasing the number of affiliated faculty fellows from about 35-40 to over 90.
Funding for AI research has expanded, enabling projects that span multiple disciplines. While the institute has a strong history in core AI research—covering areas like logic, search algorithms, knowledge-based systems, and multi-agent systems—recent years have seen growth into fields such as business, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and marine sciences. Faculty fellows now represent 12 of UGA’s 17 colleges.
Frederick Maier commented, “AI was once a niche field, but today it’s integrated into many disciplines. There remains a strong need for professionals who understand how AI works, along with its strengths and limitations.”
Building an AI Community at UGA
Doshi’s primary focus as executive director is fostering a vibrant AI community. The institute plans to organize events connecting faculty fellows and students to ensure no one feels isolated in their AI work.
One initiative highlighted is the Generative AI & Teaching Faculty Fellows program, a year-long effort led by UGA’s Center for Teaching and Learning. It selects 15 faculty members annually to explore and implement innovative generative AI applications in education.
Additionally, the institute aims to expand AI certificates and introduce Double Dawgs pathways for students pursuing interdisciplinary studies.
“AI is evolving, and so must our degree programs,” Maier said.
Doshi’s Vision and Initiatives
- Advance the institute’s research, teaching, and service goals
- Increase engagement through events and activities
- Empower teams within the institute to meet their objectives
Doshi emphasized that AI is now a recognized career path. “After 20 years in AI, it’s exciting to see it mature into a distinct professional field.”
The Role and Responsibility of AI
“AI is everywhere,” Maier said, acknowledging its growing integration into society along with emerging social and ethical questions that require attention.
Students pursuing AI degrees at UGA have varied goals—some aim for research careers, others seek practical skills applicable across disciplines. Regardless, AI literacy is essential as it increasingly influences numerous fields.
“Being literate in AI is critical to marketability today,” Maier added.
According to Doshi, companies across sectors are developing AI strategies but often lack clarity on implementation. UGA students are well-positioned to contribute because their education combines core AI knowledge with insights from linguistics, cognitive science, and philosophy.
Doshi also addressed common misconceptions shaped by popular media. While AI has demonstrated superhuman abilities in specific areas like online chess or StarCraft, its role in daily life is primarily supportive.
“AI should assist society responsibly,” Maier noted. “These technologies are disruptive, so careful deployment is essential to maximize benefits and minimize harm.”
The institute emphasizes cautious adoption of AI, including ethical considerations. Doshi stressed the importance of not blindly trusting AI outputs but using them to inform human decision-making.
Courses such as Ethics of AI, AI and Society, and AI for Humans are part of the curriculum to provide students with a balanced perspective.
“Our goal is to offer a holistic AI education, beyond the hype,” Doshi said. He reinforced that AI, while powerful, has not yet surpassed human intelligence and should ultimately serve humanity’s interests.
Further Learning
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