AI-Driven Health Initiative

Artificial intelligence is powering research and development in almost every college and department at the University of Arizona. From “digital twin” 3D virtual replicas used in construction and aerospace to VR platforms that support sustainable farming and early disease detection, our researchers are applying AI to real-world problems in groundbreaking ways. Below are a few of the many initiatives driving innovation across Arizona.

College & Program Initiatives

Artificial intelligence is powering research and development in almost every college and department at the University of Arizona. From “digital twin” 3D virtual replicas used in construction and aerospace to VR platforms that support sustainable farming and early disease detection, our researchers are applying AI to real-world problems in groundbreaking ways. Below are a few of the many initiatives driving innovation across Arizona.

University of Arizona student using a virtual reality headset and controllers during an interactive AI event, wearing an “AI CORE” shirt

AI Core

College of Information Science

In this experiential learning program, students gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects, preparing them for work in AI and emerging technology.

Blue chairs in blurred waiting room in background

Virtual Outpatient Clinic

Center for Transformative Interprofessional Healthcare

AI-powered chatbot allows health science students to explore a variety of fictional patients and initiate one-on-one conversations designed to support practice and person-centered communication.

Hands holding a plant with data symbols around

Cyber Experiment Station

Arizona Experiment Station, Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension

This team of data scientists, programmers, engineers and other experts harnesses AI and tech tools to support research and communication in agriculture, ecology, biotech and beyond.

Collaborative research team working at the lab with advanced tools

Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation (ACABI)

College of Health Sciences

Teams in this “creativity engine” design and develop potential solutions for unsolved problems and unmet needs in healthcare, including therapeutics, diagnostics and cutting-edge medical devices.

Close up shot of medical device on patient's finger

SensorLab

College of Health Sciences

A cross-disciplinary collaboration developing innovative sensor systems that monitor and respond to real-time human physiology and behavior.

Cruzer robot stationed at the University of Arizona’s Center for Digital Humanities, featuring a sleek humanoid design with branded labels

Center for Digital Humanities

College of Humanities

This research and innovation incubator leverages the sorting, analysis and visualization power of digital tools to help study the human condition and more fully understand the world’s enduring and emerging needs.

Image of a student receiving writing support in a classroom setting, with visible books and laptops on desks

Writing Skills Improvement Program

College of Humanities

Workshops such as “AI and Academic Writing” explore how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the writing process in all disciplines.

Abstract visualization of artificial intelligence and machine learning processes, featuring colorful data streams and binary code transforming into a digital grid

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Research Area

College of Information Science

Faculty members are leaders in AI and machine learning research, including causal interference, data mining, deep learning, large language models and natural language processing.

Wall of digital screens displaying a variety of colorful images and videos, representing multimedia data, AI-driven content analysis, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with media and communication technologies.

Center for Digital Society & Data Studies

College of Information Science

Develops cutting-edge research about challenges and issues in contemporary digital life, including AI algorithmic bias, disinformation, privacy concerns, data access and digital ethics.

A human hand interacting with a digital interface of colorful data blocks and neural network connections, symbolizing artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and human-computer collaboration in data analysis.

The Machine Learning for Artificial Intelligence (ML4AI) Lab

College of Information Science

Lab members research the human-AI connection, including human cognitive development, the sensorimotor foundations of human language, AI musicians capable of improvising with humans and more.

Image of medical students engaged in surgical simulation training

Arizona Simulation Technology & Education Center (ASTEC)

College of Medicine/Tucson

The facility includes a 2,000-foot workshop for developing technology that can simulate healthcare environments, and its dedicated AI division provides resources and personnel for the creation of AI tools that further improve training for students in health professions.

Group of business professionals working around a table

Generative AI Leadership Accelerator (GALA)

Eller Executive Education

This four-day intensive training program led by world-class faculty offers executives the chance to gain hands-on generative AI experience and develop a leadership road map.

Janine Hinton wearing an augmented reality headset interacting with a virtual interface in a clinical simulation lab, with a medical monitor displaying vital signs in the background—demonstrating the use of immersive technology and AI in healthcare education.

Complex Adaptive Competency Lab

College of Nursing

This team explores how AI and immersive learning technologies including AR/VR can support nursing education and boost student readiness.

University of Arizona nursing student conducting a clinical simulation on a medical manikin in a hospital-like training room

Simulation Innovation and Mentoring Services (SIMS)

College of Nursing

A study at this facility is exploring the development of an AI-powered coaching agent that can support simulation-based clinical training.

Artificial Intelligence (Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Vision)

Computer Science

A collaborative research group is focused on how to build smarter systems, analyzing computational approaches if automated reasoning runs across uncertainties.

Group photo of University of Arizona students and mentors at an AI Hardware Design League (AI-HDL)

AI Hardware Design League (AI-HDL)

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing

In this annual student competition, teams use large language models, hardware simulators and design tools, and technical guidance from industry-leader mentors to design and verify next-gen hardware.

Image representing AI-driven public health solutions in action

AI for Public Health Initiative

Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

In the Zuckerman College of Public Health, we lead the way to train a new generation of public health professionals who know how to implement AI to protect and improve population health in ways never before possible.

Group of students from the AI Laboratory group

Artificial Intelligence Laboratory

Eller College of Management

The world’s only AI lab or center within a business school is researching and contributing innovations in the fields of cybersecurity, management information systems, healthcare and more.

Map of urban city area with colored geospatial data for GIS usage

Advanced Resource Technology Lab

Natural Resources & the Environment

Researchers at the lab are using AI to develop the next generation of GIS tools for modeling, mapping and analyzing complex natural systems.

Student wearing VR headset in front of monitor

Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing

Norton School of Human Ecology

As part of the Sustainable Retailing minor curriculum, students use VR “twins” to study how shoppers interact with products. VR modules about sustainable fashion, food and household products are in the works.