Rajesh K. Gupta to Lead UC San Diego’s New School for AI, Computing, and Data Science
Rajesh K. Gupta, a distinguished computer scientist and academic leader of Indian origin, has been named the founding dean of the School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) at the University of California San Diego.
Established in 2024, SCIDS focuses on advancing research and education in artificial intelligence (AI), computing, and data science—fields that are transforming many aspects of society. Gupta has played a key role in shaping UC San Diego’s data science initiatives, having previously served as the founding director of the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI).
Building on a Strong Foundation
SCIDS is built on the combined legacy of the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC). For decades, SDSC has been a leader in high-performance computing and data analysis, contributing to breakthroughs in bioinformatics, weather prediction, and disaster response.
With Gupta’s leadership, SCIDS aims to become a hub where research, education, and societal impact intersect. The school brings together over 50 faculty members across 16 academic fields and serves approximately 8,000 students. It offers two undergraduate degrees, three master’s programs, and a PhD program with specializations in data science and AI.
Vision for SCIDS
Gupta emphasized the opportunity to create a new kind of academic unit that centers data science in interdisciplinary research. “We’re building a space where research, education, and real-world applications come together,” he said. “It’s about creating actionable knowledge from data across disciplines.”
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla highlighted Gupta’s impact at UC San Diego: “As founding director of the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, Rajesh has been instrumental in shaping our data-driven research. His leadership will be crucial for SCIDS as it builds on our strengths in high-performance computing, data science, and AI.”
Gupta’s Background and Credentials
- Degrees from IIT Kanpur, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University
- Previous leadership roles in major national research programs
- Fellow of IEEE, ACM, and AAAS
With this experience, Gupta is positioned to guide SCIDS toward becoming a prominent center for technology and innovation, both nationally and internationally.
Looking Ahead
SCIDS is one of 12 schools at UC San Diego and only the fourth established in this century. It supports a growing pipeline of students, including many from community colleges, preparing them for careers in AI, computing, and data science.
For professionals in science and research, SCIDS represents a collaborative environment where interdisciplinary work can thrive, supported by high-performance computing resources and a commitment to impactful research.
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