New Provost's Initiative aims to coordinate discussions on AI use, introduces DukeGPT, unlimited ChatGPT-4o
Provost Alec Gallimore recently announced a new Provost’s Initiative focused on artificial intelligence, as reported in a May 23 Duke Today press release. The initiative aims to facilitate broader discussions on the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI development. It consists of four main pillars: Life with AI, Trustworthy and Responsible AI, Sustainability in AI, and Advancing Discovery with AI. Each pillar has dedicated advisory groups responsible for compiling a report by the end of the fall semester to offer recommendations for AI usage at the University.
Architects of AI at Duke
Yakut Gazi, vice provost for learning innovation and digital education, expressed that Duke plays a crucial role in shaping AI rather than just consuming it. She highlighted the University's interdisciplinary strength, enabling contributions not only to AI advancements but also to understanding its social and environmental impacts.
The initiative will be led by Michael Pencina, vice dean for data science and chief data scientist for Duke Health, and Joseph Salem, the Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University librarian and vice provost for library affairs. While Duke already hosts various programs and events related to AI, Gallimore emphasized the need for more coordinated discussions on AI usage.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
The initiative's primary goal is to supplement existing AI efforts across different departments rather than override them. The University's first AI Summit in April 2024 paved the way for the establishment of the four pillars of the initiative, focusing not only on efficiency but also on sustainability and humanity.
In addition to the advisory groups, three working groups will concentrate on communication, engagement, and administrative functions. These groups aim to develop tangible outcomes such as training tools to facilitate the integration of AI into various departments' work processes.
Promoting Community Engagement
The engagement working group seeks to provide learning opportunities and forums for community members to engage with AI discussions. This includes hosting events like the AI Summit for the Research Triangle community and conducting AI workshop webinars.
With the involvement of over 60 faculty and staff in the steering committee, advisory groups, and working groups, the AI initiative aims to harness the collective expertise and insights from diverse corners of the University.
Enhancing Accessibility and Privacy
As part of the initiative, Duke announced a pilot program in partnership with OpenAI to offer free access to ChatGPT-4o to undergraduates and selected professional students. This initiative underscores the University's commitment to privacy and data protection through the development of DukeGPT, a platform tailored for the University community.
The AI initiative is the third Provost’s Initiative introduced in recent years, reflecting Duke's strategic focus on addressing complex societal challenges. The University recognizes AI as a critical area requiring dedicated resources and expertise to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.
In the words of Joseph Salem, the increasing number of Provost’s Initiatives underscores the scale and importance of the issues at hand. The AI initiative seeks to leverage the University's strengths while addressing gaps to maximize the transformative potential of AI advancements.
