University of Nebraska launches AI Institute to lead research and education
The University of Nebraska has launched a system-wide Artificial Intelligence Institute focused on responsible, human-centered AI. It's built to connect campuses, industry partners and communities, with clear goals across teaching, research, workforce development and public engagement.
This move sits at the center of the university's strategic plan for transformative innovation and measurable impact. For educators, it signals more resources, more collaboration and a faster path from research to classroom use.
Why this matters for educators
AI literacy is now a baseline skill for students and staff. The institute can help campuses update curricula, create interdisciplinary projects and develop micro-credentials that speak directly to employer needs.
Expect practical outputs: teaching resources, collaborative research opportunities and programming that bridges K-12, higher ed and industry. The focus is on responsible use and real outcomes for learners across Nebraska and beyond.
Focus areas
- Health care
- Agriculture
- Rural and urban development
- Business
- National security
These sectors set a clear agenda for applied AI projects, internships and experiential learning that educators can plug into.
Leadership and structure
The institute is co-directed by Santosh Pitla, Ph.D. (Biological Systems Engineering) and Adrian Wisnicki, Ph.D. (English) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This pairing signals a cross-campus, cross-discipline approach from day one.
It will operate in a hub-and-spoke model, coordinating AI research, teaching and engagement across the NU System while leveraging each campus's strengths. The institute builds on recommendations from the NU AI Task Force, which developed a roadmap for responsible AI across research, teaching, outreach and service.
Support and timeline
The institute has received support from industry and philanthropic partners, including Google and the Nebraska Research Initiative. Final ratification by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents is expected in June 2026, opening the door for expanded partnerships and additional investment.
How to engage in year one
- Follow institute updates, programming and collaboration calls at ai.nebraska.edu.
- Coordinate with your department to identify courses or modules where responsible AI concepts fit naturally.
- Propose interdisciplinary projects that connect your subject area with health, agriculture, business or security use cases.
- Invite institute leaders to speak with faculty or curriculum committees to align goals and timelines.
- Map opportunities for student research, internships and capstones tied to institute initiatives.
Practical next steps for your campus
- Audit current programs for AI-relevant skills (data literacy, ethics, prompt writing, evaluation) and add focused learning outcomes.
- Pilot an assessment policy for AI use in assignments to promote integrity and skill growth.
- Stand up a small faculty working group to source case studies and classroom tools from institute outputs.
- Connect career services with institute partners to track new roles and required competencies.
As NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold noted, AI is reshaping key parts of society, and a public university has a responsibility to lead for the public good. The institute is a direct step in that direction-bringing research, teaching and workforce needs into one system-wide effort.
If you're planning faculty development or curriculum updates and want structured options to upskill quickly, explore role-based AI learning paths here: AI courses by job.
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