Cornell University

Cornell AI Initiative

Latest stories, updates, and announcements that highlight the people, research, and progress of AI throughout Cornell.

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AI Headlines from Around the University

New CoPAIR program connects Cornell researchers with AI tools, training and community

The new Communities of Practice for AI-enabled Research (CoPAIR) program gives researchers access to emerging AI tools, hands-on training and collaborative communities where they can share best practices, develop disciplinary norms for appropriate AI use and non-use, and evaluate new tools for research. 

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‘A seat at the table’: Cornell expands access to multiple AI tools for faculty, staff, students

Most faculty, staff and students will have free access to a range of AI platforms – an effort to level the playing field, spur exploration and reduce the costs and vulnerabilities of individual consumer licenses.

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Cute robots, historical chatbots: AI in the classroom grows more sophisticated

Instructors across Cornell are working to strike a balance in the classroom – using AI as a teaching tool but also making choices to prevent its use and preserve the learning experience.

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Any student, any major: ‘Everyday AI’ course to launch spring 2027

In spring 2027, Cornell Bowers will launch a new course that is open to all entitled, “Everyday AI: Learning to use AI effectively and responsibly.” 

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Who is Elias the lighthouse keeper? AI fiction tells the same old story

For AI agents instructed to write fiction, that tale usually involves lighthouses and a keeper named Elias, according to new Cornell research. 

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Kids holding phones

Via: Associated Press

AI Safety for Kids: Lessons From Efforts to Address Social Media Addiction

October 5, 2026

Sarah Kreps, professor and director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, discusses the complexities of regulating artificial intelligence for minors compared to social media.

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AI, data science leaders join Cornell’s Radical Collaboration initiative

October 4, 2026

Cornell is expanding its expertise in artificial intelligence and data science thanks to the arrival of new faculty, with support from the Radical Collaboration initiative, building a research community that reaches across disciplines.

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AI-enhanced petitions on Change.org: more text, less success

September 30, 2026

Cornell researchers’ analysis of 1.5 million petitions on Change.org showed that AI writing assistance altered the wording of petitions, increasing their homogeneity and length, but did not improve petition outcomes.

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Study finds trust is the missing ingredient for AI-driven food safety

September 28, 2026

New research has found that although food companies recognized clear benefits to pooling confidential food safety, concerns about trust, competition and shared standards continue to stand in the way.

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Future of the American University report charts a ‘bold path forward’

September 22, 2026

After a year of engaging with university stakeholders and at a critical moment for higher education in the United States, a faculty-led committee has offered its vision for fortifying Cornell’s long-term future in the face of unprecedented challenges. 

Via: Associated Press

Will AI models achieve the ability to improve autonomously? Leading labs say the scenario is near

September 19, 2026

John Thickstun, an assistant professor of computer science, provides perspective on the ongoing practice of using previous AI generations to develop new models.

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AI in education initiatives emphasize experimentation, balanced use

September 17, 2026

Two new initiatives involving artificial intelligence in Cornell classrooms will encourage experimental and balanced use, while exploring ways to deploy AI that align with the teaching needs and strategies of individual academic fields.

word matrix

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Teaching an AI to Remember: What I Learned Building a Wiki LLM

September 16, 2026

Blog post from Ido Efrati, Programming Analyst Specialist, about building a Wiki LLM. 

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Boucher: Why are the scientists building AI also warning us about it?

September 15, 2026

Ayham Boucher, executive director of AI Strategy and Innovation, explains why the same people behind the AI boom are now calling for its potential slowdown.