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Advancing Kentucky's AI Future

The Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) is the University of Kentucky’s comprehensive framework for advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, research, health care and operations. Led by an institution-wide council of academic, research, healthcare and administrative leaders, CATS AI connects, coordinates and amplifies AI initiatives across UK’s 17 colleges, libraries, UK HealthCare, research centers and institutes.

Among other goals, the strategy aims to expand AI literacy, creativity and access for students, faculty and staff; accelerate research and discovery through early-access tools and new computing resources; and leverage AI to enhance patient care, operational efficiency and community impact. An investment in the future of the Commonwealth, CATS AI operates as an initiative of the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network, connecting UK with partners statewide to position the Commonwealth as a national leader in AI adoption and innovation.

This is an inflection point to lead, just as those who came before us did when they created institutions to respond to transformative technologies. This is our moment to ensure Kentucky not only keeps pace with change but helps shape it.

Eli Capilouto

President

man speaking at podium to large room in front of large screen displaying CATS AI and Microsoft AI In Action event

UK launches campus-wide artificial intelligence initiative as part of the AKT Network

Our Vision and Approach

Structure and Leadership

Coordinated vision, shared accountability: CATS AI connects leaders across all 17 colleges, libraries, research centers and UK HealthCare to align strategy, resources and governance. Through coordinated leadership and strong data stewardship, the university will ensure AI adoption is transparent, secure and effective across every mission area.

Democratized Access

Tools and training for everyone: CATS AI will expand access to powerful AI models, applications and learning resources through the CATS AI sandbox — a personal hub where approved tools will be available to students, faculty, staff and clinicians. The goal is simple: make innovation accessible to every member of the UK community.

Education and Upskilling

Building an AI-ready community: AI learning will be embedded in every corner of campus life — from UK courses to faculty training, professional development and certifications. The AI Literacy and Training Hub empowers students and employees to learn, teach and apply AI responsibly in ways that enhance learning, creativity and discovery.

Research and Innovation

Accelerating the pace and possibilities of research: By connecting data scientists, other research faculty and research centers to new AI-enabled discovery platforms, AI training, and computing infrastructure, CATS AI drives innovation across disciplines. The strategy supports new research capabilities, internal award opportunities and early-access to tools — turning ideas into solutions that advance knowledge and impact for the Commonwealth.

Health and Service

Advancing care through intelligence: Through collaboration with UK HealthCare, CATS AI applies AI tools to improve clinical decisions, patient outcomes and system efficiency. This work supports Kentucky’s health and well-being while demonstrating how AI can serve people, not replace them, in the delivery of compassionate care.

Responsible Adoption

Innovation with integrity: CATS AI balances innovation with risk management through governance frameworks, ethical guidelines and value assessments. The goal is not just to use AI but to demystify it — making the technology understandable, trustworthy and human-centered.

Microsoft Copilot at UK

start of CATS AI Flyer explaining Microsoft Copilot usage while working

Graphic explaining how Copilot operates within UK's Microsoft 365 service boundary and does not send institutional data to external consumer AI models for training

Questions?

Have questions? Click below to better understand CATS AI, Copilot Do's and Don'ts and ongoing updated guidance regarding AI at the university.

Learn more

AI and UK Data

Unless otherwise specifically approved, putting UK institutional data into any other AI tool violates UK’s administrative regulations and guidelines. UK’s agreement with Microsoft, which includes Copilot and other Microsoft applications, delivers data protection and guardrails other publicly available AI tools do not provide.

Read the Administrative Regulation

CATS AI Subcommittees

Five subcommittees of students, faculty and staff help guide CATS AI priorities and opportunities. Learn more about the subcommittees and those involved.

See the committees

Advancing Discovery

CATS AI pilot Research Challenge

CATS AI is launching a pilot Research Challenge to accelerate AI‑enabled discovery. The program will fund early‑stage projects that produce competitive preliminary results for external grant proposals and/or deliver shared AI‑enabled tools that can be used broadly across UK.

The CATS AI Research Challenge will support projects aligned with one of two tracks:

Track 1: Preliminary results for federal funding
Projects will support the development and use of AI‑ready datasets, AI models or AI‑enabled analyses to generate preliminary results for future extramural grant proposals.

Track 2: Crosscutting AI research tools
Supports the development of AI‑based tools, pipelines or platforms designed to serve a broad research community at UK.

Submit a proposal

Watch the Webinar

Watch the May 12 webinar to learn more! UK faculty of any rank or title series and research staff with active appointments are eligible to apply. Interdisciplinary teams and collaborations across colleges or departments are strongly encouraged.

Pilot awards may support direct cost funding, access to AI tools and computing resources or a combination of both, depending on project needs and available funding. Projects will have a six‑month period to reach proposed milestones following the date of award.

watch the webinar