SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is among eight SUNY campuses awarded state funding to develop and advance artificial-intelligence (AI) research.
The selected campuses are developing departments, centers, and institutes of AI and Society to “engage diverse disciplines and communities, broaden AI development to prepare students for the future and advance the use of AI for the public good,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the ESF announcement.
Besides ESF, the SUNY campuses include Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, Binghamton University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy, University at Albany, University at Buffalo, SUNY Downstate, and Stony Brook University, Hochul’s office said.
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Through this program, the state has provided $5 million in funding to foster collaboration across disciplines to promote inclusive AI research, to address ethical concerns in the use of AI, and to advance responsible data use.
ESF will receive seed funding to establish the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Society, and the Environment (AISE).
“It is clear that Artificial Intelligence is moving fast,” ESF President Joanie Mahoney said in the announcement. “So, we are excited that we have leadership from our Governor, our faculty, and our students to continue researching and analyzing AI. I look forward to learning more about how we can continue to employ authentic engagement with the artificial world, especially as we work so hard to preserve our natural world.”
Sharon Moran and Josh Cousins from the ESF’s department of environmental studies are co-directing the center, which is in the works, the school said.


