UMass Boston

The Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute is the nation’s first university-based institute dedicated to optimizing and democratizing the use of AI tools across a broad range of professions. The goal of the Institute is to give UMass Boston students in every field—who overwhelmingly join the Massachusetts workforce after graduation—the skills to excel in and shape the increasingly AI-powered world of work.

The institute’s research, education, and outreach activities will be embedded in academic study across campus and include a focus on the social, ethical, and diversity challenges and opportunities associated with emerging AI tools.

Who We Are

World-class AI researcher and educator UMass Boston ​Distinguished Professor of Computer Science Wei Ding leads the Institute. Wei combines expertise in AI, data mining, machine learning, and ​computational semantics—applied in healthcare and environmental, astronomical, and geological sciences—with a deep ​knowledge of UMass Boston and a strong connection to students, gained over 14 years on the faculty. She facilitates the institute’s Lead Planning Team, a 6-member curricular working group, and the 15 member Student Advisory Council.

What We Do

The institute is sparking crucial conversations about ​artificial intelligence within our community. Through ​a series of dynamic events and media coverage, we ​are encouraging a dialogue that bridges the gap ​between AI experts and learners and empowers ​individuals to navigate the complexities of AI with ​informed perspectives.