News

On May 9, 2019, Stony Brook University officially launched the Institute for AI-Driven Discovery and Innovation at Bloomberg headquarters in New York. The Institute aims to advance research in human-machine symbiosis, emphasizing AI technologies that enhance rather than replace human intelligence. Established with $4.5 million in grants from SUNY’s Empire Innovation Program, along with university and private funding, the Institute focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and finance. Keynote speaker Terrence Sejnowski highlighted the transformative potential of AI, while university leaders underscored the importance of ethical considerations and workforce development in AI advancements.​

The article "Is AI for You?" from Long Island Business News explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit forward-thinking entrepreneurs by enhancing business growth, decision-making, and innovation. Despite common misconceptions of AI as complex or threatening, experts emphasize its potential to streamline operations and foster creativity. Kerstin Kleese van Dam, director of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Computational Science Initiative, encourages business leaders to collaborate with institutions like BNL to harness AI's capabilities. A PricewaterhouseCoopers report cited in the article estimates that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, highlighting its significant impact.

At a recent AI conference co-hosted by the Long Island Association (LIA) and HIA-LI, XLabs CEO Radhika Dirks urged local businesses to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations to remain competitive. Dirks emphasized that AI adoption should be a strategic initiative involving leadership and cross-functional teams, not just IT departments. She highlighted AI's potential, citing her company's development of 40 cancer drugs in six months with minimal funding, compared to traditional methods. A survey presented at the conference revealed that over 80% of executives believe AI will benefit their businesses, yet many have yet to implement it. Panelists from firms like Marcum LLP and EGC Group shared insights on using AI for marketing and customer engagement, while stressing the importance of human oversight and ethical considerations

Steven Skiena, director of Stony Brook University's Institute for AI-Driven Discovery and Innovation, is utilizing a custom AI tool dubbed the "Poach-o-matic" to identify candidates for faculty positions. This approach aims to uncover exceptional talent that might otherwise be overlooked, particularly for roles in the Departments of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics. Skiena notes a growing interest in machine learning across various university departments, reflecting the increasing integration of AI in diverse academic fields.