Departments of AI and Society Grants

Departments of AI and Society Grants is sponsored by New York State (Governor Kathy Hochul and SUNY). Funds SUNY campuses to develop departments, centers, and institutes of AI and Society.

ESF Among Eight SUNYs to Receive Funding for Departments of AI Weather Alert: Syracuse campus - no morning classes. Staff encouraged to work remotely.

More details > ESF Students Present Research; Driscoll Earns National Radiation Award Inspired at ESF, Leading Change Nationwide: Alumni Earn James Beard Foundation Impact Award From Fallen Giant to Living Legacy: SUNY ESF Carries the Major Oak Forward ESF Announces Academic Honors Lists for Spring 2026 Semester ESF Among Eight SUNYs to Receive Funding for Departments of AI Furthers Governor Hochul’s Commitment to New York’s Leadership in AI Research to Advance SYRACUSE, N.

Y. - April 8, 2025 - The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is among eight SUNY campuses to receive funding to develop and advance AI research as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The Governor announced that the selected campuses are developing departments, centers, and institutes of AI and Society to engage diverse disciplines and communities, broaden AI development to prepare students for the future and advance the use of AI for the public good.

Through this program, the state has provided $5 million in funding to foster collaboration across disciplines to promote inclusive AI research, to address ethical concerns in the use of AI, and to advance responsible data use. “The progression of AI research in New York state is going to inspire other states to follow our path,” Governor Hochul said.

“Investing in AI within the SUNY system is an investment in our students to expand their knowledge about what the future will bring. We are not just preparing students for AI – we’re shaping how AI serves society, ensuring it strengthens communities and our economy. ” ESF will receive seed funding to establish the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Society, and the Environment (AISE).

“It is clear that Artificial Intelligence is moving fast,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney, “so we are excited that we have leadership from our Governor, our faculty, and our students to continue researching and analyzing AI. I look forward to learning more about how we can continue to employ authentic engagement with the artificial world, especially as we work so hard to preserve our natural world.

Thank you Governor Hochul for your investment. ” This center is co-directed by Dr. Sharon Moran and Dr. Josh Cousins from the Department of Environmental Studies. The effort is in the works and more information can be found through the center’s website .

“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, SUNY researchers, faculty, and students are leading the way in using AI to advance the public good. SUNY’s commitment to academic excellence includes making it possible for students from a wide range of disciplines to come together, explore new ideas, and develop the skills that will lead to lifelong success,” said SUNY Chancellor John B.

King Jr. Other campuses receiving support for AI research are the University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, SUNY Downstate, SUNY Poly, Stony Brook University, and Upstate Medical University. SUNY is delivering on the Governor’s vision of artificial intelligence for the public good.

Projects are up and running at the first “alpha” phase of the Empire AI computing center, housed at University at Buffalo (UB) and Empire AI brings together researchers from SUNY’s four University Centers – the University at Albany, Binghamton University, UB, and Stony Brook University – as well as the City University of New York, Cornell University, Columbia University, New York University, the Flatiron Institute, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Governor Hochul’s FY2026 Executive Budget provides additional resources to expand Empire AI’s computing capacity and provide additional computing resources In addition, SUNY has also updated its General Education Framework to incorporate AI as part of the Information Literacy core competency.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources.

Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.

Y. , and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.