AI + Informatics Mini-Symposia Series
HiPerGator AI 2.0 Arrives
One of higher education’s fastest supercomputers arrives at the University of Florida; assembly begins later this month
New Semiconductor Research Institute
University of Florida to lead hub for $285 million semiconductor research institute
UF Researchers Develop New Training Method to Help AI Tools Learn Safely
A new approach to safer AI training
Inaugural AI Research Award Winners
Welcome to AIIRI
The UF Artificial Intelligence and Informatics Research Institute (AIIRI) aims to advance AI and informatics research at the University of Florida. AIIRI brings together preeminent researchers that explore many contemporary application areas from our institution. From science and medicine, or humanities to engineering, UF experts develop the tools and technologies to support and complement these studies. These collaborative efforts result in important conclusions across many fields.
A Vision for the Future
The institute aims to build a stronger UF AI research community, enhance our external AI visibility, and support AI research across campus with a focus on four major areas:
I believe one of the best ways to carry out research with impact is to tackle big challenges with a team that spans disciplines.
– Alina Zare, Director
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Upcoming Events
February 25, 2026
Hamilton School
Nostalgia for the Future: The History of the Medici Archive in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Please join us on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 pm in Farrior 2000 for a public lecture with Alessio Assonitis, Director of the Medici Archive Project, exploring the intersection of the archive and artificial intelligence. The event is co-organized by the Hamilton AI Lab of the Hamilton School and the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. The talk, “Nostalgia for the Future: The History of the Medici Archive in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” introduces the history of the Medici Archive Project and its digitization process, then turns to how AI enabled research is reshaping the way scholars and students work with historical collections. Dr. Assonitis will also discuss how digitized manuscripts, archival data, and computational research tools are opening new possibilities for analysis, interpretation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The event is open to students, faculty, and the broader UF community. It will be of particular interest to those curious about AI, history, languages, digital humanities, and archival research. There will be time for discussion and questions following the talk. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The event is generously co-sponsored by the AI2 Center, the Artificial Intelligence and Informatics Research Institute (AIIRI), UF Information Technology (UFIT), the Department of Academic Research Consulting and Services (ARCS) at the George A. Smathers Libraries, and the UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere (Rothman Endowment). Please share this message and the attached flyer widely!
March 12, 2026
Electrical & Computer Engineering
ECE Distinguished Lecture Series Hosts Dr. Joshua Peeples
ECE is proud to welcome Dr. Joshua Peeples, Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Sciences (ECEN) Department at Texas A&M University. Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 1:00-2:00PM in 7200 Malachowsky Hall.
Title: Texture-Aware Representation Learning for Remote Sensing Image Classification and 3D Scene Reconstruction
Abstract: Texture cues play a central role in visual understanding, yet modern deep learning models often struggle to preserve both fine-scale and global structural information across diverse tasks. This talk presents recent advances in texture-aware representation learning that improve visual understanding across remote sensing image classification and 3D scene reconstruction. First, we introduce Neighborhood Feature Pooling (NFP), a lightweight architectural layer that enhances texture modeling by explicitly capturing local relational structure within feature representations. Easily integrated into existing deep networks, NFP improves remote sensing image classification by emphasizing subtle spatial patterns as well as improving class compactness and separability. Second, we present a wavelet-enhanced 3D Gaussian Splatting framework that addresses the challenge of reconstructing high-frequency detail under sparse or challenging imaging conditions. By incorporating Discrete Wavelet Transform–based supervision, the approach encourages representations that better preserve edges and structural geometry during reconstruction. Together, these works demonstrate how texture-aware learning principles can bridge recognition and reconstruction tasks, pointing toward richer texture-driven representations for remote sensing and beyond.
March 26-27, 2026
College of Education
National AI Literacy Day @ UF: Forging the Future of Learning with AI
National AI Literacy Day @ UF: Forging the Future of Learning with AI is a two-day, in-person conference to be held March 26–27, 2026, at the Norman Hall Conference Center.
This conference will bring together faculty, students, researchers, K–12 educators, and external partners to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging learning technologies are actively transforming teaching, learning, and research. While innovation is central to this event, our conversations will extend beyond technological advancement to emphasize the responsible and ethical integration of AI across educational environments. The program will feature keynote addresses, thematic roundtables, research posters, demonstrations, and panel discussions examining policy, practice, and scholarship in both higher education and K–12 settings.
Conference activities will begin with a pre-conference webinar on March 25 focused on school district AI policy. Additional engagement opportunities include a community-centered STEAM Night at Norton Elementary and an informal “Tech on Tap” social gathering designed to foster connection and collaboration.
March 29-April 1, 2026
UF AI2 Summit Artificial Intelligence and Academic Innovation
AI2 Summit 2026: Shaping the Future of AI in Higher Education
Join us for the UF AI2 Summit, March 29 – April 1, at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando. AI2 Summit is the premier gathering of academic leaders, educators, education technologists, and innovators committed to transforming artificial intelligence education. This year’s summit will focus on strategic integration of AI across higher education institutions—from leadership to classroom applications.
March 31 – April 2, 2026
AI in Ag Conference
5th AI in Ag Conference at NC State University
We look forward to your ideas, your research, and your partnership at the 5th AI in Ag Conference at NC State University on March 31 – April 2, 2026! 🌟 Nominate a speaker (keynote, plenary, or other invited speakers) by Sept 22,📄 Submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation by Oct 13,🤝 Become a sponsor and support the 2026 AI in Ag Conference
