New Report: Engineers Have a Generational Opportunity to Harness AI for Good

May 23, 2024 – “AI Engineering,” defined as the accelerating convergence of the artificial intelligence and engineering fields, can play a crucial role shaping AI to deliver benefits to society. A new report released today by the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA), an initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), identifies research priorities and underscores the role the engineering research community can and must play to get there.

A late 2023 poll showed that the U.S. public is more concerned than excited about the progress of AI. At this critical turning point in its development, it is crucial that AI systems adopt the engineering discipline’s commitment to safety and systems to serve the greater good. Engineers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in harnessing AI’s potential and shaping its future direction, The executive summary and full report, based on a visioning session of 28 engineering researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers held in July 2023, can be found on ERVA’s website here.

“This emerging fusion of the AI and engineering fields represents a profound opportunity to make breakthrough research advances as well as to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today,” said Pramod Khargonekar, professor of electrical engineering and computer science and vice chancellor for research at the University of California, Irvine, and chair of the visioning event. “By leveraging AI to enhance engineering research and innovation and vice versa, we can achieve unparalleled progress and create a brighter future for all.”

Khargonekar and Birgit "Bea" Braun, Dow Chemical, who served on the event's thematic task force, will present key findings from the report during a public webinar on June 20, 2024, at noon Eastern.

See the full release