CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES NEARLY $2 MILLION TO INCREASE DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced that nearly $2 million in federal funding is being awarded to the Rochester Institute of Technology to increase diversity among research staff and ensure Artificial Intelligence development incorporates inclusion competency.

"Inclusion and diversity are critical to the success of our workforce, and we must ensure our research and technology reflect that commitment," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems, I am excited to support the growth of innovative tools like Artificial Intelligence, but it is critical that these technologies utilize an equitable and inclusive approach. That is why I am proud RIT has been awarded this significant federal grant award to further advance their groundbreaking high-tech research and build a stronger future for our community."

"We must address challenges and gaps in graduate education programs related to AI to create a growing and sustainable pipeline of well-rounded scientists and engineers who understand the technical, cognitive, and ethical aspects of this technology," said Ellen Granberg, Provost, RIT. "By recruiting a diverse group of graduate students and by incorporating cross-disciplinary breadth in our curriculum, we can help design AI technology that will improve all citizens' productivity, welfare, and safety."

The total $1.9 million grant has been awarded through the National Science Foundation and will fund RIT's Awareness for Sensing Humans Responsibly with AI (AWARE-AI) project. With this money, RIT anticipates offering opportunities to 75 master's and Ph.D. students from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of developing a more inclusive workforce and increasing U.S. competitiveness in this space.

More information on the award can be found here.

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