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Abstract The Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML) focuses on core foundational tools to power the next generation of machine learning models. Its research underpins the algorithms and data sets that make generative artificial intelligence (AI) more accurate and reliable. Headquartered at The University of Texas at Austin, IFML researchers collaborate across an ecosystem that spans University of Washington, Stanford, UCLA, Microsoft Research, the Santa Fe Institute, and Wichita State University. Over the past year, we have witnessed incredible breakthroughs in AI on topics that are at the heart of IFML's agenda, such as foundation models, LLMs, fine‐tuning, and diffusion with game‐changing applications influencing almost every area of science and technology. In this article, we seek to highlight seek to highlight the application of foundational machine learning research on key use‐inspired topics:Fairness in Imaging with Deep Learning: designing the correct metrics and algorithms to make deep networks less biased.Deep proteins: using foundational machine learning techniques to advance protein engineering and launch a biomanufacturing revolution.Sounds and Space for Audio‐Visual Learning: building agents capable of audio‐visual navigation in complex 3D environments via new data augmentations.Improving Speed and Robustness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: using deep learning algorithms to develop fast and robust MRI methods for clinical diagnostic imaging.IFML is also responding to explosive industry demand for an AI‐capable workforce. We have launched an accessible, affordable, and scalable new degree program—the MSAI—that looks to wholly reshape the AI/ML workforce pipeline.
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This content will become publicly available on July 7, 2026
A Novel Multidisciplinary Graduate Education Program in Data Science
There has been an explosion of growth in using AI, data science, and machine learning in all aspects of our daily life. There is a global competition among governments, industry, and academic institutions to lead research and development in this area. This paper discusses a novel multidisciplinary graduate education and research program at our institution to help develop a trained workforce to meet the demands required to understand and develop AI, data science and machine learning technologies. The program brings together faculty and students in engineering, computer science, and social science to build a traineeship program where cohort teams study fundamental and applied data science research, using compact modules across courses to personalize instruction and prepare each trainee with skills tailored to their prior experience and future career goals.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2244574
- PAR ID:
- 10615256
- Publisher / Repository:
- nternational Joint Conference on Neural Networks
- Date Published:
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Rome, Italy
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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