Rochester's Goergen Institute Rebranded to Emphasize AI and Data Science Sk

Published Date : 07/01/2025 

The University of Rochester's Goergen Institute has been rebranded to the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing its interdisciplinary focus and leadership in both fields. 

The University of Rochester's Goergen Institute has been rebranded to the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GIDS-AI).

This new moniker reflects the institute’s deep expertise in two rapidly growing fields of research data science and artificial intelligence.

The institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from various departments to advance knowledge and innovation.

“Artificial Intelligence has historically been a subdiscipline of computer science, but it has increasingly played a central role in broader, interdisciplinary initiatives in data science,” says Mujdat Cetin, the Robin and Tim Wentworth Director of GIDS-AI.

“Our institute facilitates opportunities for Rochester faculty and students to engage in collaborative work where these disciplines overlap.”

The University of Rochester has a long-standing tradition of leadership in AI research and education, dating back to the founding of the Department of Computer Science in 1974.

Over the past 50 years, the computer science faculty at Rochester have made significant contributions to the field of AI, including seminal texts in computer vision and natural language processing.

Cetin emphasizes the importance of GIDS-AI's close relationship with the Department of Computer Science in maintaining the institute's cutting-edge research.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, GIDS-AI has grown to include more than 100 affiliated faculty across the University.

The institute currently offers a wide range of academic programs, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and an advanced certificate in data science.

This fall, the institute will launch a new online professional master’s program in healthcare AI and data science in partnership with the UR Health Lab.

In addition to its academic offerings, GIDS-AI is planning to introduce more learning opportunities in data science and AI in collaboration with other units.

For example, this fall, the Department of Computer Science and GIDS-AI will pilot an “AI for All” class.

This course aims to empower students to use AI in beneficial ways for their education and future careers, while also teaching them to navigate the ethical and safe use of AI.

The course will be accessible to all students, with no prerequisites or prior experience required, and will provide an intuitive understanding of how AI works and how to stay updated with its rapidly developing advancements.

Cetin, who has been the director of GIDS-AI since 2020, has been reappointed to lead the institute for another five-year term.

Under his leadership, the institute continues to expand its reach and impact.

Beyond its academic programs, GIDS-AI houses the Center of Excellence in Data Science (CoE).

Funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), the CoE aims to drive regional economic development by supporting basic research, training, and technology development in data science and AI.

The center plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration, contributing to the growth of the data science and AI ecosystem in the region. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the new name of the Goergen Institute?

A: The Goergen Institute has been rebranded to the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GIDS-AI).

Q: Why was the Goergen Institute renamed?

A: The institute was renamed to reflect its deep expertise in both data science and artificial intelligence, emphasizing its interdisciplinary focus and leadership in these fields.

Q: What academic programs does GIDS-AI offer?

A: GIDS-AI offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and an advanced certificate in data science. This fall, they will also launch a new online professional master’s program in healthcare AI and data science.

Q: What is the ‘AI for All’ class?

A: The ‘AI for All’ class is a pilot course designed to empower students to use AI in beneficial ways for their education and future careers, with a focus on ethical and safe use. It will be accessible to all students, with no prerequisites or prior experience required.

Q: What is the Center of Excellence in Data Science (CoE)?

A: The Center of Excellence in Data Science (CoE) is housed within GIDS-AI and is funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR). It aims to drive regional economic development by supporting basic research, training, and technology development in data science and AI. 

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