UCF Launches Institute of Artificial Intelligence to Advance Research, Talent Development Across Disciplines

Brown University to lead national institute focused on intuitive, trustworthy AI assistants

Brown University, supported by a $20 million National Science Foundation grant, is leading an initiative to develop advanced AI assistants for mental and behavioral health, focusing on creating systems capable of trustworthy and context-aware interactions. The AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants (ARIA) will involve interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure these AI systems are safe, effective, and responsible, addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term research challenges.

Thompson Morrison offers guidance on practical and powerful AI use in schools.

The text discusses the importance of balancing the use of AI in education, emphasizing that while AI can aid learning, over-reliance on it can hinder the development of critical thinking and creativity in students. Educators are encouraged to use AI as a tool to enhance students' curiosity and creative thinking rather than allowing it to replace essential cognitive skills.

Google DeepMind partners with UK government to boost AI research

Google DeepMind has announced a partnership with the UK government to develop a new AI research lab integrated with Gemini, aimed at synthesizing and characterizing materials rapidly, which could lead to advancements in superconductors, batteries, and solar cells. The deal also includes AI-enabled research in fusion energy, priority access to AI models for scientists, and efforts to modernize government IT infrastructure, with Google planning a £5 billion investment in UK AI infrastructure and research.

New Technology Infrastructure Streamlines AI-Powered Coral Research

Dell Technologies has provided an in-kind gift to the Sandin Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, enabling them to enhance the environmental sustainability of their AI-powered coral reef research by upgrading their data center and computing cluster. This collaboration has resulted in a 20% energy cost savings and a 32% reduction in emissions, while also doubling the image processing capacity, thus supporting the lab's efforts in monitoring and conserving marine ecosystems.

Grammarly's AI Agents Can Now Predict Your Grade

Grammarly has launched eight specialized AI agents, including tools for grade prediction and plagiarism detection, aiming to transform academic writing and assessment. These new tools, available at no extra cost to existing users, position Grammarly against EdTech competitors and raise questions about AI's role in education, potentially influencing academic fairness and institutional adoption.

How AI is changing college

Arizona State University (ASU) is heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI) by launching initiatives to prepare students for an AI-driven economy, partnering with OpenAI, and supporting over 500 AI projects. ASU is also addressing the sustainability of AI and offering programs to help individuals in vulnerable job sectors gain new skills, while ensuring data privacy in their AI collaborations.

BHSU Selected to Participate in AI Initiative

Black Hills State University has been selected to participate in the AI, Pedagogy, and Curriculum Institute by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, aiming to integrate AI into education and the workforce thoughtfully and ethically. The university plans to develop a faculty toolkit for incorporating AI into coursework and survey local businesses to understand AI's workplace impact, while addressing challenges such as maintaining relevant teaching strategies and ensuring ethical use of AI.

How AI Impacts Students Entering the Job Market

AI is rapidly integrating into various industries, with 78% of organizations using it in some capacity, leading to significant changes in workforce structures, particularly affecting entry-level roles. Experts emphasize the importance of adapting to AI by reskilling and focusing on skills like creativity, judgment, and collaboration, as AI tools increasingly handle routine tasks, allowing employees to engage in higher-value work.

Campus forecast 2026: How agentic AI could change the way universities run

Acceptance of a mental health app (JoyPopTM) for postsecondary students: a prospective evaluation using the UTAUT2

The study evaluated the acceptance of the JoyPopTM mental health app among postsecondary students using the UTAUT2 model, finding that 45. 4% of students accepted the app, influenced by factors such as performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions.