Tel Aviv University, Google Unite For New AI Research Program

Internet magnate Google has launched a new collaboration with Tel Aviv University to promote research in artificial intelligence and data science. 

The three-year program is operating through the university’s Center for AI and Data Science (TAD) under the supervision of Prof. Meir Feder and is supported by grants from Google of $1 million. Its primary focus will be AI research on sustainability and education.  

The recipients of the Google grants come from a range of fields, including environmental studies, life sciences, engineering and education, the university said. 

Three graduate students from the fields of computer science, zoology and education – which are underrepresented in AI research – were also awarded fellowships.  

”Through our continued and expanded partnership with TAU and its Center for AI and Data Science, we hope to join together industrial and academic research to advance science and technology in these critical areas for humanity and society,” said Yossi Matias, VP Engineering and Research at Google. 

Thanking Google for its support in AI research, Prof. Feder stressed that “AI can help to address some of the biggest challenges such as innovate teaching and learning for all, climate change, water resources, renewable energy, biodiversity and more.”

The ongoing Google-Tel Aviv University partnership has included joint seminars on AI and the environment and AI and health, under the auspices of Google senior research scientist Dr. Deborah Cohen and Director of Research Collaborations at TAD Dr. Shiri Stempler. 

These seminars will continue as part of the new collaboration, the university said.