A Welcome Message from the Co-Directors
Santosh Pitla, Ph.D. and Adrian Wisnicki, Ph.D.
We are excited to introduce you to the new University of Nebraska Artificial Intelligence (NU AI) Institute, a system-wide initiative focused on empowering faculty, staff and students across the four NU campuses (UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO) by fostering collaboration, innovation and meaningful impact in AI research, education and engagement.
The University of Nebraska System is home to a wide range of innovative and rapidly growing scholarship focused on AI. As the co-directors of the AI Institute, we plan to amplify and synergize all faculty, staff and student AI initiatives on each of the four campuses, while accelerating discovery and elevating collective resonance.
Regionally, nationally and internationally, AI has rapidly come to occupy a central place in our society and has impacted almost every industry. We hope to help guide that effort, while being ever mindful of the people involved in AI and the need to take a human-centered and ethical approach to AI.
We are also highly interested in developing strategic AI partnerships and cultivating relationships with industry, state agencies, regional institutions, community colleges, and Nebraska communities. Through these partnerships, the Institute will serve as a catalyst for shared innovation, economic development, and societal impact, and will ultimately position the University of Nebraska as a leader in AI research, teaching, and policy.
In The Middle of Everywhere: The University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska, as an institution based in the center of the United States, is uniquely positioned to engage with local and state development of AI because it can bridge cutting-edge research with the real-world challenges faced by communities, industries and policymakers. It can also contribute to wider efforts on AI, including responsible AI deployment, in the nation and around the globe.
Because of our land grant mission (research, education, and extension), we look forward to bringing the expertise of the University of Nebraska to support AI interest in communities across the state, including the expansion of AI literacy, the development of the workforce, and the creation of robust AI policies that prioritize safety and human well being.
Meet the Co-Directors
NU AI Task Force Report and Recommendations
In late 2024, the NU System established an AI Task Force to recommend a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy for integrating AI research, education, innovation and workforce development across the NU System. The report and recommendations delivered by the task force have led the development of our new institute and aim to prepare Nebraska’s students, faculty and communities to thrive in the AI era—while ensuring AI is developed and deployed responsibly, inclusively and strategically.
Read the ReportStrategic Plan Alignment
The University of Nebraska AI Institute is a strategic, system-wide hub advancing responsible AI innovation, education and economic growth. It serves as the go-to resource for Nebraska’s AI research and policy, with cross-campus collaboration and industry partnerships at its core. The Institute is designed to elevate Nebraska’s AI presence nationally—amplifying faculty expertise, empowering students, supporting industry, and guiding AI literacy for all Nebraskans.
Read the NU Strategic PlanExtraordinary Teaching & Learning
Building out critical AI literacy, developing competency frameworks, coordinating academic programs, and building capacity system-wide AI for faculty and staff.
Extraordinary Research and Creative Activity
Coordinating AI research through a hub and spokes model, supporting faculty AI research needs, and pursuing external funding for AI initiatives.
Extraordinary Partnerships & Engagement
Building AI community, developing strategic AI partnerships, and cultivating relationships with industry, state agencies, regional institutions, community colleges, and Nebraska communities.
Extraordinary Culture & Environment
Developing responsible AI frameworks, establishing institutional AI policies, and creating ethical AI guidelines and data governance structures.
Extraordinary Stewardship & Effectiveness
Mapping the AI landscape, creating system-wide AI visibility, coordinating AI Centers of Excellence, and building organizational AI infrastructure.
News & Events
AI in Health Conference 2026: Shaping the Future of Care
8:00 AM - 3:15 PM
UNMC Truhlsen Campus Events Center
2026 Graduate College Workshop
12:00 AM
TBA
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Media Contact
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Cara Pesek
Senior Director of Communications
Contact the NU AI Institute
Do you have questions or comments for the NU AI Institute co-directors? Fill out the form linked below to contact both co-directors or email Dr. Wisnicki or Dr. Pitla directly.
Contact Form