AI Expertise Across Campus

Expertise, in Motion

Powered by people. Applied with purpose.

Artificial intelligence expertise at the University of Kentucky spans the full breadth of our academic, research, clinical and operational community. Across colleges and units, disciplines and mission areas, faculty, researchers, clinicians, educators, staff and students are applying AI to advance discovery, improve health and well‑being, strengthen teaching and learning and support the Commonwealth. This is a testament to both deep technical capability and a shared commitment to using AI thoughtfully, responsibly and in service to people — to the public good.

How Our Work Fits Together

CATS AI provides the strategic framework that aligns artificial intelligence work already underway across the University of Kentucky and helps position our community for what comes next. Within this framework, the AI Literacy and Training Hub (ALT Hub) serves as the university’s central hub for AI education and training and acts as a convener and connector across campus — helping individuals and units navigate collaboration opportunities, identify appropriate resources and connect with the right expertise. The Guidelines for AI Operations (GO Group) complements this work by developing guidance and recommendations that support responsible and secure use of AI. Together, these efforts establish shared direction and guardrails, while faculty, staff, clinicians, researchers and students lead innovation, application and real‑world impact through the expertise areas highlighted below.

The ALT Hub and GO Group are the refreshed successors to the former AI/ML Hub and UK ADVANCE group, respectively. This reflects an evolved focus on foundational AI literacy for the community and operational guidance as AI use continues to expand across the university.

Strategy, Policy and Governance Guiding AI with purpose and accountability

UK’s AI expertise is guided by clear strategy, strong governance, democratized access and coordinated leadership. This work shapes how artificial intelligence is adopted across the university, aligning innovation with accountability, public trust and service to the Commonwealth.

CATS AI: UK’s leadership in advancing Kentucky through artificial intelligence Message from the president

Nov. 13, 2025 — At the University of Kentucky, we must be committed to becoming an AI University — where AI enhances how we teach, learn, research, heal and serve the Commonwealth.

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

Nov. 14, 2025 — The initiative builds on a recent resolution by the UK Board of Trustees, charging the university to become Kentucky’s “partner of choice” for the responsible use and expansion of AI. CATS AI will leverage AI to advance UK’s mission of improving health and well-being through the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network.

The Idea of an AI-First University Michael D. Murray Research

This essay develops a normative and conceptual account of the “AI-First university” as a distinct institutional form in contemporary higher education. An AI-First university is defined as one that systematically integrates AI across curriculum, research, student experience, and institutional operations, while maintaining educational and scholarly purposes as the governing constraint.

Research, Discovery and Innovation Accelerating discovery and turning research into impact

AI is accelerating discovery across disciplines at the University of Kentucky. Faculty, researchers, and collaborators are using AI to expand research capabilities and translate ideas into real‑world solutions. And, as any good paradigm shift, they are asking new questions about what is possible as they work to address critical concerns.

Woman walking under an architecture design model with yarn

Architecture students reimagine a Lexington warehouse through AI-informed design Architecture, College of Design

Feb. 13, 2026 — What does it mean to design with artificial intelligence without surrendering authorship, intuition or humanity? That question anchored a recent architecture studio led by Jesse Voigt, instructor in the University of Kentucky College of Design.

Two men in white coats looking at a computer.

Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence (CAAI)

The Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence (CAAI) functions within the University of Kentucky Institute for Biomedical Informatics to explore new technologies, foster innovation and support the application of artificial intelligence in translational science.

a doctor points to an ultrasound machine that uses AI to detect fluid in organs

Artifical Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Office of Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming biomedical research and health care delivery, enhancing clinical care and speeding scientific discovery. The recent coalescence of big data, accelerated computing and deep learning has yielded remarkable results across research discovery and translational medicine.

Dr. Wang in his lab instructing a student

NSF CAREER Award advancing UK researcher’s work integrating AI in manufacturing UKNow

Aug. 7, 2023 — As industry experts navigate the excitement and concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), one University of Kentucky researcher is exploring its potential integration into manufacturing through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award.

UK researcher using AI to unravel proteins, advance medical research UKNow

Dec. 19, 2024 — How can artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionize the fight against some of the world’s most devastating diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s? At the University of Kentucky, one researcher is harnessing the power of AI to uncover answers that could transform treatment, improve outcomes and give hope to millions.

Law Professor, AI Expert Publishes Book on AI and the Law J.D. Rosenberg College of Law

University of Kentucky J. David College of Law Professor Michael D. Murray recently published a book on a range of topics related to artificial intelligence and law. The book, “Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law: Mastering Generative and Agentic AI,” is described as a “rigorous, pedagogical guide for the 2026 practitioner.”

Education, Workforce and Literacy Preparing learners and professionals for an AI-enabled world

Preparing people to understand and use AI is central to UK’s mission. Through degree programs, certificates, courses and professional learning, the university builds AI literacy and workforce readiness for students and the broader community.

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Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

CELT advances educational excellence at the University of Kentucky through (1) collaboration with faculty, staff, and students; (2) partnerships with academic and administrative units; and (3) leadership on the challenges, opportunities, and issues impacting teaching and learning in higher education. CELT provides numerous resources for faculty and all instructors, especially materials related to understanding and incorporating generative AI in course curricula.

CELT's Jill Abney and AI Initiatives in Launch Blue's U-Accel I-Corps Cohort

The UAccel I-Corps program offers an experiential learning opportunity to innovators in higher education interested in learning the best commercialization path for their solutions. Launch Blue announces 11 teams have been selected for the Spring 2026 UAccel I-Corps program, including four teams that will participate in the UAccel: Health Care track.

‘AI is the future’: UK launches state’s 1st Bachelor of Science in AI Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky has launched the Commonwealth’s first Bachelor of Science in AI. The undergraduate degree program, housed in the Department of Computer Science, will welcome its first class in Fall 2026.

Over the shoulder photo of someone looking at their computer.

New Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Artificial Intelligence Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering

Our bachelor’s program prepares you to be at the forefront of this change by combining a strong foundation in math, science and computer science with hands-on experience in building intelligent systems. You’ll start with core courses in calculus, physics, programming, writing and engineering, then deepen your knowledge with advanced study in probability, statistics and computing.

Overhead photo of four people working on computers.

Undergraduate Certificate in AI Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering

An undergraduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence is perfect for students interested in developing cutting-edge technologies and solving complex problems using machine learning, data analysis and AI algorithms. It opens doors to careers in tech companies, research institutions and industries such as robotics, healthcare, finance and autonomous systems, where AI expertise is increasingly in demand.

Person holding tablet wiht co-pilot on tablet.

New UK course builds AI skills across every major

Nov. 18, 2025 — UK is now offering a 100-level, one-credit-hour course — Transdisciplinary Educational Approaches to Advance Kentucky (TEK 100): Collaborative Intelligence — Understanding and Using Modern AI.

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UK ALT Hub launches new AI literacy course for faculty and staff

This course is an initiative launched through the recently formed Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI), the university’s comprehensive framework for advancing the responsible use of AI in education, research, health care and operations.