Human-centered artificial intelligence
Human-centered artificial intelligence
Technical expertise alone is not enough. Addressing AI’s challenges and realizing its full potential requires researchers who understand human behavior, policy, ethics and accessibility. UMSI was built for this moment.
What is human-centered AI?
Human-centered AI is an approach to creating and using AI that puts people first. We focus on making sure AI tools are useful, responsible and designed around human needs, values and well-being.
AI research with world-changing results
Our faculty build AI systems that earn trust, because responsible innovation means better results. They shape policy that serves society. And they deploy AI to improve lives across healthcare, law, business, education and beyond.
Research
Health and well-being
Jiayu Zhou, professor of information, is using AI to detect Alzheimer’s earlier and bring us closer to a cure.
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RESEARCH
Policy and governance
Lecturer Merve Hickok guides global decision-making on AI policy and regulation, including educating AI policy practitioners across more than 60 countries and advising international organizations.
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RESEARCH
Fairness and accountability
Abigail Jacobs, assistant professor of information, exposes the hidden biases and assumptions that — when built into AI systems — can cause harm.
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RESEARCH
Ethics
Professor Kentaro Toyama has spent decades building and critiquing AI. His research advances important and thorny questions like: At what point should AI be held morally responsible for its actions?
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Beyond more usable systems, human-centered AI means better decision making. Learn how.
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Educating future leaders with staying power
UMSI graduates know how to use AI strategically and navigate ambiguity — skills that are crucial as industries transform. We adapt our curriculum to keep pace with technological advancements and reflect industry demands.
EDUCATION
Human-centered AI minor
Undergraduates across U-M learn how to use AI effectively and ethically in their chosen fields.
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EDUCATION
AI for data science
Master of Applied Data Science students work with the AI tools and techniques shaping industry practice, integrated throughout their curriculum and explored in depth through an optional concentration.
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EDUCATION
AI courses
Students in every degree program take leading-edge courses in AI’s applications and implications, from AI and the Law to Vibe Coding to Generative AI in Business and Society.
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We want to design systems that empower rather than exploit, that earn public trust rather than erode it, that reflect and respect the full range of human experience and belief.
News
Partner with UMSI
Collaborate with faculty conducting novel AI research, recruit highly skilled students and join us in driving responsible innovation.
Corporate partnerships: Contact Luis Escareño, assistant director of institutional partnerships and strategic giving, at [email protected].
Research inquiries: Contact Qiaozhu Mei, associate dean for research and innovation, at [email protected].
Recruitment consultations: Contact Laura Marsh, employer and alumni relations manager, at [email protected].
Media inquiries: Looking for an AI expert? Visit the UMSI Media Center.