Georgia State University has selected three new research clusters as part of the fourth round of its ambitious Next Generation Program, dedicated to boosting the university’s reputation for pioneering, interdisciplinary research and scholarship.
The selected clusters include:
Artificial Intelligence Augmented Systems: Design and Application: This initiative will help to build Georgia State as a center of excellence in the design of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that augment human decision-making, while also leading in scholarship considering the pragmatic, ethical and societal implications of these systems. The initiative will focus on the design and application of AI in augmenting education, information technology, healthcare, financial technology and logistics. Departments involved include Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Psychology and Philosophy.
Quantum Science, Quantum Materials and Quantum Information: This initiative will expand upon Georgia State’s existing capabilities and achievements in quantum science, including inventions such as a quantum optical nano-generator called a spaser, and research that has resulted in innovations in ultrafast optics, quantum materials, infrared dyes and super-resolution microscopy. The cluster proposal will support faculty whose expertise is in the ultrafast optics of quantum materials, electron spectroscopies of two-dimensional and topological materials, and inorganic or colloidal chemistry who will develop technologies and further applications of spasers in theranostics and sensing. Departments and existing centers involved include Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and the Center for Nano-Optics.
Shared Vision: A Georgia State Imaging Innovation Hub: As imaging technology plays an increasing role in society and research, it is driving significant advances in nearly every technical field, including astronomy, medicine and security. The hub brings together existing research faculty exploring a wide range of digital imaging research, including imaging at the nano-particle level, remote sensing for biophysics and space sciences, digital pathology, brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and other tools. The hub will help Georgia State become home to high-profile, leading research with new approaches to acquire, process and characterize imaging data from the smallest to the largest scales. Departments involved in this hub include Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology and the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA).
The Next Generation Program is the successor to the Second Century Initiative (2CI), which attracted high-caliber faculty who lead in their fields of expertise.
“The Second Century Initiative and Next Generation Program have added major multi-disciplinary dimensions to our research portfolio and enriched both our graduate and undergraduate programs,” said Risa Palm, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “These three new initiatives will continue to enhance the quality and reputation of Georgia State.”
Since 2009, these initiatives have brought more than 100 faculty who helped to establish high-profile institutes and centers, including the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, the Urban Studies Institute, the Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, the Transcultural Conflict and Violent Extremism initiative, the Global Studies Institute, the Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence and more.
The 2CI and the Next Generation Program also enhanced existing centers and institutes at the university established prior to the two initiatives, including the Neuroscience Institute, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, and the Center for Law, Health & Society.
To learn more about the Next Generation Program, visit https://nextgen.gsu.edu.
– Jeremy Craig, Manager of Marketing & PR, Office of the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs