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.

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.

Woman in orange UF IFAS shirt stands in field amongst cattle while conducting research.

IFAS Cattle Research and AI

For a century, researchers have tracked genetic traits to find out which cattle produce more and better milk and meat. Now, two University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence to analyze millions of bits of genetic data to try to keep cattle cooler and thus, more productive.

Doctor looking at a brain scan on a tablet with augmented reality graphics overlaid on image.

Florida Researchers and UF Supercomputer

High-impact research is in full swing on the University of Florida’s powerful supercomputer, with faculty and students from across the State University System using HiPerGator ⁠— one of the smartest machines in the world — to advance critical work in areas including the environment, technology and medicine.

Hyper close-up image of ant looking at reflection in water puddle.

Ants and AI

E. O. Wilson once referred to invertebrates as “the little things that run the world,” without whom “the human species [wouldn’t] last more than a few months.” Although small, invertebrates have an outsized influence on their environments, pollinating plants, breaking down organic matter and speeding up nutrient cycling. And what they lack in stature, they make up for in diversity. With more than one million known species, insects alone vastly outnumber all other invertebrates and vertebrates combined.

Goat looking toward camera.

Goats and AI

The patient arrived with a bladder stone, grimacing in pain and moping about. He wouldn’t even chew his cud. The patient, you see, was a goat. And while treated for his bladder stone — a common ailment in the small ruminants — he was also contributing to new research that aims to accurately measure pain not only in goats, but other domestic animals as well and even, one day, in people.