Vanderbilt University has created a transformational lab focused on leveraging immersive translational AI to drive discovery across disciplines ranging from medicine and materials science to the humanities, social science and education.听听
The new will act as a dynamic regional Translational AI hub, as well as serve as a center of gravity for strategic national partnerships and engagement in AI policy. Researchers in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and biomedical engineering are engaged with as many as 350 interdisciplinary co-authors throughout Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.听听
鈥淏y launching VALIANT as a Discovery Vanderbilt center, we are underscoring our profound commitment to utilizing transformative technologies for innovation across diverse fields,鈥� said , provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. 鈥淏y serving as a hub for translational AI and interdisciplinary collaboration, VALIANT embodies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing today鈥檚 complex challenges.鈥�
is an initiative led by the and is one of three pathways in the university鈥檚 campaign to support and extend the resources underpinning Vanderbilt鈥檚 most innovative research and education.听听
Previously announced centers include the , the , the and, most recently, the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate.听
VALIANT will be led by , a preeminent scholar who holds the Stevenson Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering and has joint appointments in computer science, biomedical engineering, radiology and radiological sciences, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, biomedical informatics, and neurology. Landman also serves as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.听
鈥淧rofessor Landman鈥檚 vision for VALIANT is nothing short of inspirational,鈥� said , Bruce and Bridgitt Dean of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor. 鈥淗e has a deep understanding of AI鈥檚 potential, coupled with a passion to explore the many innovative ways to use the technology to improve the lives of everyone in our local communities and throughout the region.鈥�听
Tapping into Vanderbilt鈥檚 broad faculty expertise, VALIANT seeks to connect research efforts in translational AI to drive discovery in three primary areas:听
- Medicine听
- Materials听
- Humanities, social science and education听
The Lab鈥檚 AI Scholars and AI Faculty Fellows programs for doctoral students and faculty researchers, respectively, will provide excellent growth opportunities for its members. VALIANT will also leverage an existing network of international research collaborators to engage industry, visiting scholars and student trainees from around the world. Additionally, VALIANT plans numerous bridge programs and institutional partnerships to foster regional collaborations throughout Middle Tennessee.听听
鈥淎I is one of the most important鈥攊f not the most important鈥攖echnological advances to happen in my lifetime,鈥� Landman said. 鈥淚 would compare this to the dawn of the electrical age. Our mission at VALIANT is to fully understand and harness the power of this revolutionary technology to address the grand societal challenges of our time.鈥�听
Landman adds that intensive AI research continues throughout many areas of Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He said VALIANT intends to be a vital partner and resource for institutional efforts, as well as those happening outside of the university. 鈥淭hrough VALIANT, we have a golden opportunity to solidify Vanderbilt鈥檚 impact in the broad arena of AI technology,鈥� Landman said.听
, Accenture Professor and vice chair for research affairs in the Department of Biomedical Informatics, agrees that VALIANT will be a potent force to accelerate AI efforts in multiple areas.听听
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to see Vanderbilt taking a multidimensional approach to AI, supporting everything from lifesaving clinical research to the widespread adoption of AI technology to improve lives in our local communities,鈥� said Malin, who co-directs VUMC鈥檚 Center, focused on the intersection of health care and biomedical informatics. 鈥淚t鈥檚 simply a matter of time when AI will lead to novel discoveries in the biomedical domain鈥攁nd countless other areas.鈥�听
In addition to Landman, VALIANT is being led by a steering committee of:听听
- , Hoy Family Faculty Fellow and associate professor of biomedical engineering听
- , Sally and Dave Hopkins Faculty Fellow, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, assistant professor of computer science and assistant professor of biomedical engineering听
- , assistant professor of computer science, assistant professor of computer engineering, assistant professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology听
- , assistant professor of computer science听
- , assistant professor of biomedical engineering, assistant professor of computer science听
