Why is the University establishing an AI center?
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and as the technology influences everything we do, we need to be nimble to ensure that AI works for New Yorkers safely and responsibly. Binghamton researchers are already leading the way in AI across a range of disciplines, and this center will help expand that work by advancing cutting-edge technological research grounded in ethics and transparency.
Is this a data center?
No. The Center for AI Responsibility and Research is a research arm that provides New Yorkers with transparency to ensure AI is used for the public good. There will be no impact on local resources from this research center. Empire AI’s initial computing infrastructure is housed at the University at Buffalo’s Center for Computational Research.
How is the center funded?
The Center for AI Responsibility and Research is supported by a $30 million commitment from Tom Secunda ’76, MA ’79, co-founder of Bloomberg LP, a key private-sector partner and philanthropist involved in Empire AI. This will be coupled with a $25 million capital investment from Gov. Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
What type of research will be conducted at the center?
The center will be used to develop technical tools that make AI safe to use in daily life, and will build upon the research of Binghamton faculty, who are using machine learning and data science to solve real-world challenges – everything from delivering better healthcare to improving information security.
Examples of AI research at Binghamton
- Yu Chen, professor of electrical and computer engineering, is developing technology
to detect AI-generated content through digital “footprints”
Zhaohan Xi, assistant professor in the School of Computing, is researching how to make large AI models more secure, reliable and useful in real-world areas like healthcare - Jeremy Blackburn, associate professor in the School of Computing, conducts data-driven research on cyberbullying, hate speech and “bad actors” online to determine how behaviors spread and make online spaces safer
- Thi Tran, an assistant professor of management information systems, is developing a framework to reduce clickbait and misinformation on social media
- Shiqi Zhang, associate professor in the School of Computing, is conducting research that lies in the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics, including developing service robots for the visually impaired
The center’s core research pillars include:
- Safety and Security. Research to ensure that AI systems behave as they are intended to and are not misused, with a focus on public safety and security.
- Transparency and Interpretability. Working to better explain to the public how AI systems actually make decisions and produce results, with the goal of improving trust and better evaluating said systems.
- Repeatable Science. Developing standards, shared datasets and best practices so AI can be used responsibly and accurately in scientific research to produce repeatable, trustworthy results.
- Values Alignment. Studying ways to ensure that AI systems are following ethical guidelines, including developing safeguards and fail-safes to prevent harmful and unexpected behavior.
Will the center work with industry or government partners?
The center will collaborate with partners across academia, industry and the public sector on projects and partnerships that align with its mission of ethical AI.
How does this benefit students and faculty?
The center will create opportunities for faculty, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to further research aimed at responsible artificial intelligence, with the potential to support expanded academic and research programming. Undergraduate students will also have opportunities to participate in research and programs.
How will this benefit the local area?
The center is expected to attract talent and investment to the Binghamton region while helping to position New York as a leader in responsible AI.
Where will the center be located?
The University will find an immediate location in summer 2026 to house the center and begin work before finding a permanent, longer-term home.