Chicago State University partners with SkAI Satellite for astrophysics research and deep space exploration

New institute will unite multidisciplinary researchers to develop innovative, trustworthy AI tools for astronomy. Credit: Bettymaya Foott/NSF NRAO/AUI

Chicago State University is part of a multi-institutional $20 million grant, led by Northwestern University to develop and apply new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to astrophysics research and deep space exploration. The grant is jointly funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Simons Foundation and will establish the NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI).

The new institute will unite several researchers from various institutions to develop innovative AI tools that will be used to pursue breakthroughs in astronomy. In developing and refining these tools, researchers will be able to analyze large astronomy datasets, transform physics-based simulations, launch large sky surveys, and accelerate mining and interpretation of increasingly large data points.

“This is a great and pivotal moment for Chicago State and our commitment to scientific research. Being a part of a collaboration of this magnitude, reflects our growing expertise in cutting edge research fields like combining Artificial Intelligence and astronomy” says Dr. Sonja Feist-Price, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

CSU’s involvement in this collaborative effort reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities in the STEM field and fostering cutting-edge research for our students. Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) will be representing CSU in this collaboration. By working as satellite partners with Northwestern and other institutions, our students and faculty will gain hands-on learning experience in AI, astronomy and astrophysics.

To learn more about the institute, grant and research, visit the website here.