USC Dornsife's Role in AI for a Better Future

Published Date : 3/10/2025 

Explore how USC Dornsife is at the forefront of AI research, integrating human and artificial intelligence to drive innovation in healthcare, ethics, and more. 

Humankind has arrived at an exciting moment: the intersection of the physical world with both human and artificial intelligence. While AI is increasingly affecting our way of living, the question remains: who determines how the future plays out?

Technology is only part of this story. Deeper questions — questions that will define our relationship with AI — call for a wide range of expertise. At USC Dornsife, researchers are not only refining AI but also interrogating it. From drug discovery to systems optimization to AI ethics and safety, the challenge is to ensure that what comes next reflects the best of who we are.

At USC Dornsife, the focus is on creating a future where AI is a force for good. This involves not just technological advancements but also ethical considerations. For instance, the USC Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing (IETC) is a collaborative effort between the USC Dornsife School of Philosophy, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and interdisciplinary scholars across the university. The IETC addresses the urgent need for academic expertise to guide the responsible development of AI, ensuring that technology aligns with human values and ethics.

One of the key areas of research at USC Dornsife is the use of AI in drug discovery. Computational researcher Vsevolod Katritch is leading the way with V-SYNTHES, a new technology that leverages AI to uncover potential treatments from large datasets. Instead of testing endless chemical compounds, V-SYNTHES assembles molecules like a puzzle, predicting the effect of those combinations with 5,000 times the speed of traditional methods. This process holds great potential to reduce research time and expense, while accelerating breakthroughs in addiction therapy, cancer treatment, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The intersection of AI and ethics is another critical area of focus. Machines don’t know right from wrong, so how do we ensure that the choices they make uphold what matters most to us? USC researchers are studying how AI systems weigh decisions to inform the design of technologies where human well-being is programmed from the start. This involves exploring the moral and ethical implications of AI, ensuring that technology is used responsibly and ethically.

Understanding the brain’s most intricate work is another area where AI is making significant strides. At USC Dornsife, researchers are using AI to pick up signals that shape perception, memory, and behavior. This research brings us closer to understanding the brain’s complex functions and how they contribute to being human.

USC Dornsife also focuses on optimizing the future through AI. Researchers are creating and working with intelligent systems to fine-tune predictions, reduce friction, and uncover smarter ways to solve complex problems. It’s not just about improving health today — it’s about reimagining what’s possible.

The USC Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse, inviting partnership with industry, and training students to bridge reflection with execution. The institute’s work begins with philosophy — both through inquiry and as a tool for thinking clearly and acting wisely. This ensures that as we increasingly rely on AI for solving complex problems, we do so in a way that respects and upholds human values.

In summary, USC Dornsife is at the forefront of AI research, integrating human and artificial intelligence to drive innovation in healthcare, ethics, and more. By addressing the ethical and moral implications of AI, researchers at USC Dornsife are ensuring that technology is used for the betterment of society. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the USC Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing?

A: The USC Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing (IETC) is a collaborative effort between the USC Dornsife School of Philosophy, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and interdisciplinary scholars. It addresses the need for academic expertise to guide the responsible development of AI, ensuring that technology aligns with human values and ethics.

Q: How is AI being used in drug discovery at USC Dornsife?

A: USC Dornsife computational researcher Vsevolod Katritch is using AI with V-SYNTHES, a technology that assembles molecules like a puzzle to predict the effect of combinations with 5,000 times the speed of traditional methods. This accelerates breakthroughs in addiction therapy, cancer treatment, Alzheimer’s, and more.

Q: What are the ethical considerations of AI at USC Dornsife?

A: USC Dornsife researchers study how AI systems weigh decisions to ensure that the choices they make uphold human well-being. This involves exploring the moral and ethical implications of AI to ensure it is used responsibly and ethically.

Q: How is AI being used to understand the brain at USC Dornsife?

A: At USC Dornsife, researchers are using AI to pick up signals that shape perception, memory, and behavior. This research brings us closer to understanding the brain’s complex functions and how they contribute to being human.

Q: What is the role of USC Dornsife in optimizing the future through AI?

A: USC Dornsife researchers are creating and working with intelligent systems to fine-tune predictions, reduce friction, and uncover smarter ways to solve complex problems. The goal is not just to improve health today but to reimagine what’s possible in the future. 

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