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Cornell AI Initiative

Artificial intelligence with purpose and impact

The Cornell AI Initiative is a university-wide effort to advance Cornell’s leadership in research and education in artificial intelligence, while creating, applying, and evaluating AI as a tool across the university — from classrooms and laboratories to clinics and university processes. By leveraging Cornell's breadth of expertise, the initiative aims to understand how AI affects learning, scholarship, and operations, and to advance responsible uses of AI in service of Cornell's public engagement mission.

The Cornell AI Initiative is a university-wide effort to advance Cornell’s leadership in research and education in artificial intelligence, while creating, applying, and evaluating AI as a tool across the university — from classrooms and laboratories to clinics and university processes. By leveraging Cornell's breadth of expertise, the initiative aims to understand how AI affects learning, scholarship, and operations, and to advance responsible uses of AI in service of Cornell's public engagement mission.

Artificial intelligence at Cornell is both a field of study and a powerful tool that shapes how we conduct research, teach, and support the university.

Cornell’s approach to AI is rooted in the breadth of its scholarship and its leadership in AI research. Few institutions can match the combination of computational scientists developing foundational algorithms, social scientists examining AI’s impact on organizations and society, and domain experts — from materials scientists to veterinarians to educational researchers — advancing learning and discovery in their fields through AI. This depth and diversity enable Cornell to pursue a thoughtful approach to shape the future of responsible and impactful AI.

AI + Education

AI + Education at Cornell is about more than adopting new technologies — it’s about understanding how AI reshapes the learning experience itself, in ways both positive and challenging.

AI + Research

At Cornell, AI is both a tool that advances how we conduct research and a subject of inquiry ranging from algorithms and machine learning to ethics and human‑AI interaction.

AI + Working

Across campuses and units, teams are leveraging AI as a tool to enhance human expertise — streamlining routine tasks, strengthening decision-making, and opening new avenues for creativity and collaboration.

AI + Health and Clinical Practice

Across Cornell’s campuses (including Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech), we continue to explore and study how AI shapes and informs our health care systems, providers, and policies.

Course: Understanding and using the superpowers of AI

New Online Course for High School and College Students

AI & Society Seed Grants

Internal funding to support social science and humanities research on the societal impacts of AI.
Deadline: August 15, 2026.

WCM Investigators Empowering Cancer Researchers with AI

A team of Weill Cornell Medicine investigators is working to cross-train the next generation of cancer researchers in cancer biology and the use of artificial intelligence tools for research.

Sonar on stock smartwatches leads to hand-tracking breakthrough

WatchHand, a wearable tech device developed by Cornell Bowers and Korean researchers, equips off-the-shelf smartwatches with AI-powered micro sonar capable of tracking hand movements.

MirrorBot: fostering human connection

Cornell researchers developed a dual mirror-equipped robot, MirrorBot, that spurred conversations, playful exchanges and other interactions between strangers sparked by initial eye contact made in the mirrors.

Cornell AI News

Cornell AI Events

Cornell AI News

AI & Society Seed Grants

Internal funding to support social science and humanities research on the societal impacts of AI.
Deadline: August 15, 2026.

Cornell AI Events

Cornell AI Initiative Office Hours —
Thursdays, 10 a.m. ET

Working on a large-scale, multi-PI, or cross-disciplinary AI project?

Join our office hours to share your ideas and explore how we can support you — from connecting collaborators and shaping teams to research development and proposal strategy. For more information, contact Research Development Director, Jovana Savanovic.