The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) has announced a $5 million commitment from alumnus and tech entrepreneur Paul English to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) institute as well as an associated scholarship fund.

The Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute will be embedded in academic study across campus and include a focus on the social, ethical, and diversity challenges and opportunities associated with AI. The institute, which aims to give UMass Boston students in every field the tools to shape the increasingly AI-powered world of work, will formally launch during the 2023–24 academic year, funded with the investment from English plus a $2 million match from the UMass Foundation.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting dozens of universities over my career,” said English. “What stands out about UMass Boston is its pragmatism, grit, and diversity. It is these things that will propel UMB to lead on Applied AI. The new generation of AI will change the jobs of everyone who uses a computer, and I will work closely with UMB as they leverage and develop AI tools across all their disciplines.” 

“We are at the dawn of a new era. Like the agricultural revolution, the development of the steam engine, the invention of the computer, and the introduction of the smartphone, the birth of artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how we live and work,” said UMass Boston chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “Like any transformative technology, AI is also raising social, ethical, and diversity questions that UMass Boston is ideally suited to explore. As we train the next generation of Massachusetts workers, we are grateful for Paul’s continued leadership, and understanding of our unique role in the Massachusetts economy.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/shapecharge)