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Conference is set to draw over 170 participants from universities and organizations nationwide and around the world, including UB experts.
The University at Buffalo is hosting Inside Higher Ed’s U.S. AI Summit 2026, co-organized by Times Higher Education, from June 3-4. This significant event gathers over 170 national and international leaders from higher education, industry, and public policy at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The summit aims to address how artificial intelligence can tackle societal challenges and establish a clear agenda for advancing trustworthy and responsible AI for the public good, as emphasized by Jeff Grabill, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The conference brings together prominent thought leaders to discuss AI's impact on critical sectors like health care, education, and sustainability. A diverse group of 33 speakers includes notable figures such as Jason Abel, Head of Microeconomics at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Chief AI Officer for New York State; and Valerie Kennedy, Founder of Harlem FutureThink, all contributing to discussions on cross-sector partnerships and practical strategies.
The first day of the summit focuses on the practical implementation of AI. Sessions are designed to explore crucial aspects such as safeguarding against potential risks, amplifying human creativity through AI, and its role in redefining the labor market. Discussions will also highlight the pivotal role of higher education in steering the direction of AI development, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving demand for AI skills, and strategies for aligning academic progress with industry speed.
The second day shifts focus to the long-term sustainability and scalability of AI initiatives. Topics include designing AI effectively for the public good, establishing and maintaining trust in AI systems, and the critical importance of prioritizing human-verified information. A key agenda item is a spotlight on 'Empire AI at UB', along with a roadmap outlining priorities through 2030 and recommendations for developing a collective statement on AI.