NCSA, HCU Join Forces to Accelerate Research in AI

Editor’s note: This release was originally published by Houston Christian University.

The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Houston Christian University (HCU) joined forces to accelerate advanced computing in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science to empower and shape the next generation of world changers through joint strategic projects in teaching, research and service.

The collaboration allows the universities to explore and engage in research initiatives utilizing resources from the NCSA with the aim of enhancing competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“By applying classroom theories to real-world scenarios, we can make a tangible impact that benefits our environment and society,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at HCU Dr. James Steen. “It is an exciting opportunity to foster innovation and academic excellence, and we look forward to the valuable outcomes this partnership will produce.”

The initiative will position the institutions to collaborate on a range of strategic projects, including the education and training of highly qualified personnel; co-hosting lectures, meetings, seminars and conferences; collaboration on capacity building initiatives and sharing information and expertise on technology developments.

Dr. Volodymyr Kindratenko, director of the Center for AI Innovation at NCSA, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with HCU.

With this partnership, we are looking at joint AI research projects with HCU that align with our expertise and capabilities. We’re also eager to explore joint funding opportunities as well as potential industry partnerships.

Dr. Volodymyr Kindratenko, Director of CAII

Associate Provost for Online Technology at HCU Dr. Zadok Hakim looks forward to the impactful work that will emerge and called collaboration between institutions “vital”—particularly in innovation and technology—to address complex societal and environmental challenges.

“By bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge and resources, we can achieve outcomes far beyond what any one institution could accomplish alone. This partnership with the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications provides a unique platform for our faculty and students to explore cutting-edge technologies while advancing shared goals,” said Dr. Hakim.

The agreement commenced on Oct. 30, 2024, and will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2028, subject to the consent of each educational institution.

ABOUT NCSA

The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides supercomputing, expertise and advanced digital resources for the nation’s science enterprise. At NCSA, University of Illinois faculty, staff, students and collaborators from around the globe use innovative resources to address research challenges for the benefit of science and society. NCSA has been assisting many of the world’s industry giants for over 35 years by bringing industry, researchers and students together to solve grand challenges at rapid speed and scale.

ABOUT CAII

The Center for Artificial Intelligence at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign operates as a central nexus that spearheads AI research and application in academia and industry. The center empowers and supports advancements in AI by leveraging NCSA’s cutting-edge technology and expertise and facilitating collaboration across multiple disciplines, including agriculture, astrophysics, automotive, big data, and infrastructure. Furthering NCSA’s commitment to accelerating AI, the CAII is dedicated to building foundations that will pave the way for the next generation of innovators.