Report Outlines Framework for University’s Engagement with AI

Published: March 18, 2026

Scholars

Provost of Duke University
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Alfred J. Hooks E '68 Distinguished Professor

Associate Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate Professor in Surgery
Member of Duke Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute

As the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence raises urgent challenges for higher education, a new report from the AI at Duke Steering Committee outlines a strategic framework to guide future investments and initiatives in AI while enhancing Duke’s role in advancing responsible and human-centered AI innovation.

Following the inaugural Duke AI Summit in 2024, Provost Alec D. Gallimore launched the AI at Duke initiative and charged its steering committee with identifying opportunities for elevating the university’s leadership in AI’s development, application and responsible oversight. 

The committee was co-chaired by Joseph Salem, Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University Librarian and vice provost for library affairs; Tracy Futhey, vice president and chief information officer; and Ricardo Henao, associate professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics. Deliberating from June 2025 to January 2026, the steering committee worked closely with faculty-led advisory committees focused on four pillars – Life with AI, Advancing Discovery in the Age of AI, Sustainability in AI, and Trustworthy & Responsible AI – to develop the report. 

The recommendations aim to support Duke’s core missions of research and teaching by building technical capacity for AI development while advancing applications of AI that keep humans at the forefront of innovation.

The report identifies and builds on Duke’s strengths, which include foundational and human-centered AI research, interdisciplinary scholarly engagement, and clinical and ethical AI governance. Strategic priorities include faculty hiring in key areas, expanded student research opportunities, shared data and computing infrastructure, and institutional structures to support responsible AI governance and implementation. 

As members of the Duke community continue to shape the future of AI through research and education, the report provides a roadmap for enhancing institutional leadership that is grounded in academic excellence and human flourishing. 

For the full report, go to the Office of the Provost.