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Artificial Intelligence is transforming research, education, manufacturing and everyday life. To prepare the next generation of talent for a diverse, well-trained AI workforce, the U.S. National Science Foundation directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and STEM Education launched the NSF EducateAI initiative. This program aims to make state-of-the-art, inclusive AI educational experiences available nationwide.  

To support this goal, NSF is investing nearly $8 million in five projects under the NSF EducateAI initiative. These projects will also benefit from the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot, an NSF-led effort to create a national infrastructure that connects U.S. researchers to essential computational data, software, models and training resources necessary for AI research. 

“As AI continues to transform research and innovation, it’s crucial that we nurture a diverse AI-ready workforce prepared to tackle the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies,” said Greg Hager, assistant director for CISE. “Through the EducateAI initiative, we are investing in AI educational programs that both complement and amplify our continuing efforts to broaden access to AI research resources.”  

Furthermore, the NAIRR Pilot plays a crucial role in developing a diverse and well-trained AI workforce by providing computing, software, data, expertise and other AI resources to projects that integrate cutting-edge AI education across a wide range of institutions. “These investments not only advance our commitment to fostering innovation in emerging

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A research team at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at William & Mary has uncovered a new species of Antarctic fish, which could reshape how scientists view biodiversity in the Southern Ocean. The newly discovered species Akarotaxis gouldae, also known as the banded dragonfish, was identified during an investigation of museum-archived larvae samples.

While the research team examined the samples, they noticed key differences in some fish, including two distinct dark vertical bands of pigment on their bodies, a shorter snout and jaw, and a longer body depth. These observations led them to suspect the presence of a new species. To confirm their hypothesis, the researchers used mitochondrial DNA analysis and constructed a phylogenetic tree to illustrate the relationship between A. gouldae and other Antarctic dragonfish species. 

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This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan engaged with leaders and innovators at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University (OSU), focusing on the future of workforce development, the economic impact of public research universities, and NSF-supported research. 

In Fiscal Year 2023, NSF invested over $121 million in Oregon to advance research, innovation and education. At the University of Oregon, the director participated in discussions on workforce development and a roundtable on economic contributions with NSF Chief Science Officer Karen Marrongelle and former Congressman Peter DeFazio. The visit concluded with a tour of the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR).  

At Oregon State University, Panchanathan spoke with the campus research community about NSF’s strategic direction and the crucial universities play in driving next-generation science and innovation. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on semiconductor technology innovation and workforce development, highlighting OSU’s leadership in this critical field. Key participants included OSU semiconductor research and development and education leaders such as Sanjay Natarajan, senior vice president and co-general manager Intel Corporation; Arun Agarwal, R&D director for the Advanced Technology and Strategy Lab HP; and representatives from state and industry partners. 

In addition to these engagements, on Tuesday, the agency announced a $14.5 million investment in it NSF Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program. “Community colleges play a critical role in training people

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The U.S. National Science Foundation has invested $14 million in seven interdisciplinary research projects through the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI): Biocomputing through EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence program. This investment fosters fundamental and ethically responsible research and development of organoid intelligence systems while also broadening participation in biocomputing research. Organoids are tiny 3D versions of engineered tissue that replicate important functions of natural tissue in vitro.

Organoid intelligence is an emerging multidisciplinary field focused on developing novel biological computing systems that emulate the flexibility, robustness and efficiency of cells and organs. With each project receiving $2 million, the seven research teams will use organoid intelligence systems to address current limitations in artificial intelligence technologies and revolutionize the capabilities of biological computing.

“NSF’s investment will lead to biological computing with superior power and efficiency by harnessing the mechanisms behind complex biological behavior for smart systems,” said Susan Margulies, NSF assistant director for Engineering. “Advances in biocomputing will open new opportunities for artificial intelligence, biotechnology and more sustainable computing.”

These interdisciplinary projects will advance the understanding of biological learning principles and the design of better algorithms, networks and optical and electrical neural interfaces. Research teams will establish frameworks for safe, ethical and socially responsible biocomputing research. In addition, the teams will provide hands-on training for students and early-career researchers through workshops, mentorship opportunities for high school

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