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AI for Public Good
As the nation's first public university, Carolina is leading a new vision for artificial intelligence, one rooted in public purpose, not private gain.
We see AI not simply as technology, but as a defining force of this era. Tar Heels are using it to reshape how knowledge is generated and shared, how work is done, and how value is delivered to society, all in pursuit of solving the world’s most complex and urgent challenges.
Learn more about AI for the Public Good and Carolina's approach to AI.
At Carolina, AI is accelerating discovery, transforming education, preparing students to lead in an AI-driven world, improving health and well-being, protecting communities and informing policy. Our approach, AI for Public Good, ensures that the invention, use and governance of AI serve the public, advancing opportunity, health, trust and quality of life in North Carolina and beyond.
Carolina is not only adopting AI in classrooms and workplaces. We are embedding AI into the core of our research enterprise, breaking down silos and connecting independent lines of inquiry to generate exponential insight and impact.
By investing in shared platforms, advanced computing environments, secure data ecosystems and bold interdisciplinary collaboration, we are positioning Carolina at the forefront of AI-enabled discovery. The result is transformational research, skilled and ethically trained leaders, and a model for how AI should responsibly function in a democratic society.
AI for Public Good Conference
In April 2026, Carolina hosted the inaugural AI for Public Good Conference, bringing together leading researchers, industry innovators, policymakers and practitioners to discuss how AI can be developed and applied in ways that serve the public good.
AI in local communities
On his summer tour of eastern North Carolina, Chancellor Lee H. Roberts joined other University leaders in announcing a two-year collaborative planning and pilot study to understand how North Carolina communities are encountering generative AI, and how local libraries can support AI literacy in meaningful, locally relevant and sustainable ways.
University initiatives
Saif Khairat to serve as chief AI officer
The School of Nursing professor will shepherd Carolina’s vision of ensuring that the invention, use and governance of AI serves the public good.
Research is at the heart of Carolina’s AI work
Vice Chancellor for Research Penny Gordon-Larsen talks about how the University is harnessing artificial intelligence for the public good.
Welcome to vibe coding and pumping the brakes
Carolina’s first AI for Public Good Conference offered cutting edge views on the future of artificial intelligence to nearly 600 attendees.
Here’s how Carolina’s new school got its name
Stan Ahalt and Diane Kelly detail the collaboration and thoughtfulness that went into naming the School of Data and Information Sciences.
Collaborative breakthrough research
He’s making pregnancy sonograms more accessible
Dr. Jeffrey Stringer merged an artificial intelligence app with a portable ultrasound device to improve maternal and child health.
3 Carolina researchers share how they’re using AI
Artificial intelligence is driving discoveries in nutrition, transportation and education.
AI Acceleration Program helps student design proteins
Amartya Banerjee used artificial intelligence tools and cloud computing to construct more accurate models.
AI experts driving strategy and policy
AI in use at Carolina
AI jury finds teen not guilty
The experimental mock trial at the UNC School of Law raises profound questions about artificial intelligence’s role in criminal justice.
UNC Diplomacy Lab projects use AI to address global problems
To support the U.S. State Department and other agencies, Carolina students have analyzed foreign policy issues for five projects.
Gillings lab uses AI to predict local air quality
Unlike current models, the DeepCTM bot shows the impact of proposed development at the neighborhood level.
Environmental researchers use drones to map marshes
Restoration has begun to preserve the sites that reduce flooding and prevent erosion along Currituck Sound.
Public Health and Social Good
Trust SARHAchat with your reproductive health questions
Faculty and students from nursing and computer science use AI and University resources to create a free chatbot that protects user privacy.
VR pilot program for nursing students yields real benefits
In virtual reality simulations, they learn how to interact with patients in realistic scenarios.
Alexander Tropsha uses AI to search for cures
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy professor is part of a multimillion-dollar project to identify new uses for existing drugs.
Powering new AI leaders
University Library unveils generative AI tool customized for Tar Heels
At the Jan. 29 grand opening of the Library AI Studio in Davis Library, attendees explored the PromptLab platform and more.
Patrick Kastian answers questions about Carolina’s AI Community
The assistant director of the Data Intelligence Hub at Innovate Carolina shares how Tar Heels are exploring artificial intelligence.
2025 TIIP Award projects help new mothers, doulas, educators
Translating Innovative Ideas for the Public Good Award winners use funding for AI tools, digital delivery methods and training programs.