Accelerating AI expertise: How VCU is leading AI through transdisciplinary collaboration
Faculty, staff and industry experts recently gathered to help shape VCU’s AI future at the VCU Convergence AI Accelerator Workshop. The event explored AI applications across business, data science, education and healthcare among other fields.
Nearly 90 attendees engaged in forward‑looking conversations emphasizing interdisciplinary connections, practical implementation and opportunities for research and community impact. The workshop highlighted the potential for AI to transform multiple sectors while maintaining an ethical and responsible approach.
Panels covered real‑world examples and cross‑sector collaboration, with discussions on integrating AI into organizational strategy, advancing analytics, classroom innovation and applied applications. Panel discussions included VCU faculty, staff and representatives from CTE Workforce, Google, Ithena, Microsoft and UNOS.
VCU leadership from the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation introduced the event, including Andrew Arroyo, Ed.D., senior vice provost for Academic Affairs and Lisa Ballance, associate vice president for research. Milos Manic, Ph.D., professor of computer science and faculty lead for VCU Convergence AI set the stage for the day.
“The evolution of AI demands that we focus more on just the technology. We must ensure that AI is responsible, fair and trustworthy, or, as we like to call it, responsible use of AI”, said Manic. “Serving as a national authority in several academic disciplines, VCU is strategically positioned within Virginia’s rapidly expanding data center landscape to become a leader in this field, advocating for the responsible use of AI for the public good.”
The goal of VCU Convergence is to unite traditionally siloed academic disciplines and drive transdisciplinary research, interdisciplinary curriculum and transformative learning around strategic themes. VCU Convergence is building expertise and driving innovation to meet pressing societal needs and tackle widespread, persistent “wicked problems.” These ambitious goals aim to create collaborative, applied outcomes that impact communities and the public good.
“Through VCU Convergence, we are not just expanding our curricula … we are pioneering interdisciplinary learning, transdisciplinary research and transformative community engagement,” said Manic.
As the inaugural event for the VCU Convergence AI theme, the workshop helped build bridges for future collaborations. Organizers and participants expressed enthusiasm for continuing the dialogue and expanding partnerships, shaping how AI research, education and workforce development evolve at VCU. VCU Convergence plans to host a public AI conference in the fall to continue the momentum and position VCU as a national leader in AI.
To learn more about AI and other VCU Convergence themes, email [email protected] or visit academics.provost.vcu.edu/vcu-convergence/