Artificial Intelligence at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Overview

The Department of Computer Science houses the core of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research on the Amherst campus. The Department's distinguished faculty have forged collaborations with colleagues in other disciplines such as psychology, mathematics and the biological sciences in an effort to grow AI-focused programs that continue to gain recognition for dynamic, high-quality research. AI research is strongly supported by government at all levels and by private industry. AI faculty work closely with other top academic, government and industry scientists to advance AI research. In all, 20 Computer Science faculty working in 14 labs or groups focus on AI.

Key Research Thrusts

Automated Reasoning
Autonomous Systems
Computational Neuroscience
Computation Genomics
Computer Vision
Data Mining
Decision-theoretic Planning
Information Extraction

Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Knowledge Discovery
Language Technologies
Machine Learning
Meta-cognition
Multi-agent Systems/Distributed AI
Natural Language Processing
Robotics

Research Support

In 2005, approximately $5M in grants and contracts supported AI research in the Computer Science Department. Over $1 million of that was from the National Science Foundation*.

National Rankings

Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence – 6th (US News & World Report 2003)
Computer Science - 18th in quality of PhD Education (National Research Council)
Computer Science Department - 9th (Institute for Scientific Information)

Centers & Institutes

Center for Intelligent Information Retrieval: CIIR is an NSF created S/IUCRC Center. The CIIR carries out basic research and technology transfer in the area of text-based and multimedia information systems. The research group investigates questions related to searching and browsing collections of documents.

Center for Knowledge Communication: CKC investigates knowledge-based educational systems, integrating theoretical principles into research systems for empirical evaluation and theoretical analysis.

For facilities information on artificial intelligence, search the campus' facilities database at www.umassrefs.info.

Technology Transfer

For licensing opportunities of AI technologies, contact the office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP) at (413) 545-3606.

*Source: UMass Office of Grants & Contracts Administration

Updated 6/1/06