Introduction to the MIT-MBZUAI Collaborative Research Program
The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have launched a new collaborative research program. This program aims to strengthen the building blocks of artificial intelligence and accelerate its use in pressing scientific and societal challenges.
The Objective of the Program
Under the five-year agreement, faculty, students, and research staff from both institutions will collaborate on fundamental research projects. The focus areas include advancing the technological foundations of AI and its applications in three core areas: scientific discovery, human thriving, and the health of the planet.
Benefits of the Collaboration
According to Dan Huttenlocher, dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, "Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of human endeavor. MIT’s leadership in AI is greatly enriched through collaborations with leading academic institutions in the U.S. and around the world." This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing AI in ways that are responsible, inclusive, and globally impactful.
Key Areas of Focus
The program will unite the efforts of researchers at two world-class institutions to advance frontier AI research. The key areas of focus include:
- Scientific discovery
- Human thriving
- The health of the planet
By combining MBZUAI’s focus on foundational models and real-world deployment with MIT’s depth in computing and interdisciplinary innovation, the program aims to create a transcontinental bridge for discovery.
Program Leadership and Funding
Each institution has appointed an academic director to oversee the program on its campus. Philip Isola from MIT and Le Song from MBZUAI will serve as program leads. The collaboration will fund a number of joint research projects per year, with findings that will be openly publishable.
How the Program Will Work
Each project will be led by a principal investigator from MIT and one from MBZUAI, with project selections made by a steering committee composed of representatives from both institutions. This collaborative approach will ensure that the program achieves its objectives and makes significant contributions to the field of AI.
Conclusion
The MIT-MBZUAI Collaborative Research Program is an exciting initiative that brings together two world-class institutions to advance the field of artificial intelligence. With a focus on scientific discovery, human thriving, and the health of the planet, this program has the potential to make a significant impact on society. By collaborating on fundamental research projects, the program aims to strengthen the building blocks of AI and accelerate its use in pressing scientific and societal challenges.
FAQs
- Q: What is the objective of the MIT-MBZUAI Collaborative Research Program?
A: The objective of the program is to strengthen the building blocks of artificial intelligence and accelerate its use in pressing scientific and societal challenges. - Q: What are the key areas of focus for the program?
A: The key areas of focus include scientific discovery, human thriving, and the health of the planet. - Q: How will the program be funded?
A: The collaboration will fund a number of joint research projects per year, supported by MBZUAI. - Q: Who will lead the program on each campus?
A: Philip Isola from MIT and Le Song from MBZUAI will serve as program leads. - Q: What is the duration of the program?
A: The program is a five-year agreement.









