The Rutgers Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (RAD) Collaboratory hosted its first Research Symposium on March 24, according to an April 1 announcement. The event brought together faculty and researchers to discuss collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, with a focus on using AI as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research.
The symposium highlighted the growing interest in how AI can support multidisciplinary projects across various fields. This is important as academic institutions look for ways to bridge gaps between disciplines and enhance research impact through technology.
Professor Stephen Burley, Director of RAD, was recognized for his vision in promoting AI research at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Chancellor Francine Conway opened the event with remarks described as energetic. Vice Provost and Vice Chancellor for Research Wendie Cohick, along with Rutgers Research and the office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, provided support for the event.
Keynote speakers included Professor Dimitris N. Metaxas, who presented his work on computer vision research, and Professor Sharon Xiaolei Huang from Penn State University, who discussed education dynamics related to AI. During a panel moderated by Professor Samuel on accelerating collaborative multidisciplinary research with agentic AI, several faculty members shared their perspectives: “Prof. Åsa Rennermalm highlighted how AI can bridge gaps between diverse data sources combining high-frequency point data with spatial satellite imagery.” “Prof. Jaideep Vaidya highlighted how AI is enabling large-scale, multimodal analysis and breaking silos across disciplines, while stressing the importance of explainability and trust in AI-driven systems.” “Prof. Piyushimita (Vonu) Thakuriah spoke about cities evolving into adaptive, AI-driven systems – the key challenge is integrating AI with social, behavioral, and economic knowledge.” “Prof. Matthew Stone emphasized that LLMs can transform research workflows enhancing knowledge synthesis & raised important concerns around anthropomorphism & the growing tendency to over-trust AI systems.” “Prof. Adam Gormley stated the potential of AI-powered automated labs to capture both successful and failed experiments unlocking reproducibility and reducing duplicated effort in scientific research.”
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers has earned national recognition; it ranked third among graduate urban planning programs and fourth among undergraduate public health programs according to its official website. The school operates as part of Rutgers University according to its official website.
Bloustein School’s commitment extends beyond rankings; it focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive communities locally and globally according to its official website. Its efforts include advancing social impact through centers dedicated to community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development programs,and energy policy according to its official website.
Leadership at Bloustein includes Dean Stuart Shapiro who assumed his role in 2023 according to its official website. The school also recognizes distinguished alumni through a Hall of Fame established in 2013 along with annual achievement awards dating back nearly three decades according to its official website.
As interest grows around artificial intelligence applications within academia,the RAD Collaboratory’s symposium signals further collaboration ahead among departments at Rutgers.