TLDR: Georgia Tech’s Cloud Hub, an initiative of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), has successfully concluded a Call for Proposals to advance Generative AI (GenAI) research. This effort, significantly bolstered by a gift from Microsoft, provides researchers with access to Azure’s advanced tools and services. Eight selected projects, commencing in Spring 2025, will explore foundational GenAI aspects, system advancements, and novel applications across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on responsible and ethical AI use.
Atlanta, GA – October 30, 2025 – The Georgia Tech Cloud Hub, a pivotal initiative operating under the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), has announced the successful conclusion of its Call for Proposals aimed at significantly advancing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) research. This groundbreaking endeavor is made possible through a substantial financial contribution and strategic support from Microsoft, providing Georgia Tech researchers with unparalleled access to Azure’s cutting-edge tools and services.
The Call for Proposals, initially launched in early 2024, sought innovative ideas from across the Georgia Tech research community. The initiative encouraged a broad spectrum of submissions, encompassing foundational GenAI research, advancements in AI systems, and novel applications across diverse fields including arts, sciences, business, and engineering. A critical component of the selection criteria was a strong emphasis on projects that addressed the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies.
The response from the academic community was robust, with 76 proposals submitted. Following a rigorous evaluation process, eight pioneering projects were selected for funding and support. These awarded projects are slated to commence in Spring 2025, marking a new phase in GenAI exploration at Georgia Tech.
Microsoft’s generous contribution extends beyond financial aid, offering researchers direct access to its advanced Azure cloud resources. This collaboration is instrumental in accelerating GenAI research, enabling faculty and students to tackle complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities within this rapidly evolving field. The projects are expected to contribute significantly to the global body of knowledge in GenAI, with potential for lasting impact on both academia and industry.
The diverse array of research directions includes enhancing the capabilities of large language models and other AI-based systems, as well as developing innovative applications for data utilization through interdisciplinary collaborations. Notable projects and their lead researchers include:
Neha Kumar (IC): ‘Social Audits of AI: Towards Participatory Impact Evaluations of AI-Based Systems’
Amirali Aghazadeh (ECE) & Amanda Stocton (Chem and Biochem): ‘Agentic AI in Pursuit of Life’s Origins: Reassessing Histidine’s Prebiotic Viability’
Peng Chen (CSE): ‘Generative AI for Advanced Bayesian Data Assimilation in Real-Time Flood Prediction’
Yunan Luo (CSE): ‘Programmable Protein Design with Multi-Modal Generative AI’
Anqi Wu (CSE): ‘Diffusion-Guided Discovery of Semantic Neural Codes in Higher Visual Cortex’
Chao Zhang (CSE) & Rampi Ramprasad (MSE): ‘MM-ChemAgent: A Multi-modal and Agentic LLM for Chemical Discovery’
IDEaS and the Cloud Hub are dedicated to supporting these teams throughout their research endeavors. The findings and outcomes of these projects will be disseminated through academic publications and prominently featured on the Cloud Hub’s official web portal, ensuring broad visibility for the groundbreaking work fostered by this initiative.
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For further inquiries, please contact Christa M. Ernst, Research Communications Program Manager, at [email protected].
