The University of Washington has announced a significant $10 million donation from Microsoft pioneer Charles Simonyi and his wife, Lisa Simonyi, to launch ‘AI@UW,’ a university-wide initiative focused on responsibly and effectively integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom and research endeavors.
This generous gift establishes a new Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence, with Professor Noah Smith of the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering taking on the inaugural role. Professor Smith emphasized the substantial expertise surrounding smart AI adoption at the UW and his aim to connect and leverage this knowledge to accelerate learning and innovation.
Faculty members are actively seeking guidance as students increasingly utilize AI tools. A primary concern is understanding how to respond to this shift in student behavior. ‘My students are using AI. What now? What am I supposed to do? How do we respond to this?’ Professor Smith stated, highlighting the need for strategic adaptation.
The University’s approach involves AI assisting students with questions and study materials, while ensuring students retain responsibility for their education. On the faculty side, AI can support the creation of fair and effective assessments. A key component of AI@UW is the SEED-AI grant program, designed to fund innovative and exploratory uses of AI in courses, with the call for proposals expected in the coming weeks.
Three key focus areas are being prioritized: ensuring academic excellence, advancing research, and fostering innovation. University President Robert Jones believes the initiative and new vice provost role will maintain the university’s strategic advantage in AI. ‘We need somebody that wakes up each and every day that thinks about AI across the three parts of our mission: our teaching, our research and our innovation agenda,’ Jones said.
Charles and Lisa Simonyi have previously donated over $27.5 million to the UW since 2009, supporting DIRAC, the Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center, and the Allen School building. Charles Simonyi, a technical fellow at Microsoft, and Lisa Simonyi, chair of the UW Foundation Board, are instrumental in this groundbreaking initiative. Professor Smith’s affiliations also span multiple departments, including the Department of Linguistics, the Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences, the eScience Institute, and the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies, providing invaluable cross-disciplinary experience.