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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Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit to host workshop on AI in scientific research

September 15, 2026

CSCU will host “Ask the Statisticians: AI in Scientific Research,” a free virtual session to discuss how Cornell researchers are integrating AI into their statistical workflows. 

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NSF grant to explore whether AI can support students’ critical thinking

September 14, 2026

Cornell has received a $750,000 grant to study AI-powered reflection tools that build student critical thinking skills.

Students viewing the sunset on LIbe Slope

Via: Inside Higher Ed

When Are Students Better Off Offline?

September 14, 2026

Cornell University’s new initiative asks students to rethink their tech habits—and when screens may interfere with learning, attention and social connection.

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A&S offers new science, technology and society major

September 14, 2026

An innovative major in the College of Arts & Sciences is being expanded and refined to highlight its combination of science, social science and the humanities and its relevance to careers today.

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Can AI boost open-mindedness? Team wins $1.49M grant to find out

September 14, 2026

A $1.49 million award from the John Templeton Foundation will enable Cornell researchers Gordon Pennycook and David Rand ’04 to explore whether artificial intelligence can be used to understand and increase open-mindedness.

Feet of people wearing scrubs

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How Will AI Impact the Future of the Clinical Workforce?

September 12, 2026

Contrary to some predictions, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) agents could lead to more, not fewer, health care professionals working in the United States, according to a new article by a physician and health policy researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine who surveyed economic theory and the history of technology in health care.

Image from news story

Via: Associated Press

Anthropic Says It Blocked Efforts to Use Its AI for Weapons Research

September 11, 2026

John Thickstun, an assistant professor of computer science, addressed the challenges AI companies face in making societal value judgments without democratic oversight.

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Good vibes: Phones promote shared space, not silos, in Arts Quad installation

September 10, 2026

“Vibe Coating” integrates green-screen technology and AI to visualize participants’ prompts as an immersive, continuously changing environment.

From article, vote button as globe

Via: Axios

September 10, 2026

Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell’s Tech Policy Institute, comments on voters’ desire for authenticity and skepticism toward AI-generated content in political ads.