Convergence Labs @VCU is a university-wide effort and is coordinated from the Office of the Provost. This initiative creates a structure to support interdisciplinary research and experiential learning opportunities.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the One VCU Academic Repositioning Task Force put forth recommendations for new structural models to enhance support of transdisciplinary research and collaboration including virtual forms. The Convergence Labs @VCU stems from these recommendations and will be a model for supporting transdisciplinary research while creating experiential learning opportunities for students. It will include developing new curriculum, courses and programs. For the structure and description of Convergence Labs @VCU in a general sense, see the tabs linked on the gray side panel.
Convergence Labs @ VCU - AI+ is VCU’s signature university-wide initiative focused on applied generative artificial intelligence for the public good. A phased plan will serve as the vision for moving this Convergence Lab forward.
In mid-February 2024, an email to the Deans outlined the launch of the Convergence Labs @ VCU - AI+ on Wednesday, April 10th, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences STEM Building.
A brief survey was included for faculty to respond so that the information can be used as the basis for the launch and vision steps. Responses were received from over 150 faculty on the Health Sciences, Monroe Park and VCU-Qatar campuses with AI areas of research related to art, computing, ethics and integrity, health disparities, medicine, neuroscience, and teaching and learning, courses and curriculum. Faculty will engage in structured brainstorming discussions across these areas to share research interests and develop collaborations. This will be led by Lisa Ballance, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Regulatory Affairs; Carly Katz, Senior Director of Federal Relations; and Mangala Subramaniam, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
New courses and programs related to the various areas of AI+ are handled by Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost. Contact Andrew Arroyo, Interim Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs (email: atarroyo@vcu.edu).
Additional Convergence Labs @VCU
The iCubed cores will be integrated into the Convergence Labs @VCU model. Additional Convergence Labs will focus on AI+, mental health, data science (including big data, learning analytics, machine learning), environment and sustainability, and other areas that will be identified.