UTEP launches artificial intelligence think tank to address regional challenges

Water scarcity, health disparities, other issues will foster AI collaboration between researchers, public and private sectors

2025-04-23

(Press-News.org) EL PASO, Texas (April 23, 2025) – The University of Texas at El Paso has launched the AI Institute for Community-Engaged Research (AI-ICER), an interdisciplinary think tank designed to leverage artificial intelligence technologies to address pressing regional and national challenges. The institute was established with funding from The University of Texas System Regents' Research Excellence Program.

"This institute positions UTEP as a leader in responsible AI research while strengthening our mission as a community-engaged institution," said Ahmad M. Itani, Ph.D., UTEP vice president for research. "By integrating AI expertise with our existing research strengths, we're creating pathways for our students to develop skills that will be invaluable in tomorrow's workforce while simultaneously addressing the unique challenges facing our border region."

Led by Ann Gates, Ph.D., AI-ICER brings together approximately 30 faculty members from across all University departments. The institute aims to foster collaboration between researchers, public and private sector groups, and industry partners to identify common challenges, such as water security and Hispanic health disparities, and develop innovative solutions.

"The AI Institute represents a significant step forward in UTEP's commitment to apply cutting-edge technology to real-world problems that affect our border region and beyond," said Gates who is a professor in UTEP's Department of Computer Science and senior advisor to the provost for strategic STEM initiatives. "By bringing together diverse expertise from across disciplines, we're creating an environment where AI innovations can be developed responsibly and with community needs at the forefront of our work."

AI-ICER will operate through three thrust areas: efficient, secure, and responsible AI; AI for community impact; and AI education.

The institute will be housed in UTEP's Interdisciplinary Research Building with research activities taking place in labs and centers across campus. Students will play a critical role in the institute's work with opportunities for employment supporting research, training and K-16 educational components. AI-ICER will also offer extensive training for undergraduate and graduate students in AI and high-performance computing.

Cross-cutting areas include entrepreneurship, workforce development and policy, with plans to secure diverse funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

For more information about the AI Institute for Community-Engaged Research, visit aiicer.utep.edu.

About The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 172 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

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