Normal
The University is currently operating under normal conditions
AI research at Carolina
As artificial intelligence opens the door to new opportunities, researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are working across disciplines to use the technology for the greater good.
Keep reading to see how Carolina is putting AI to use.
Updated Sept. 11, 2025
From computer science to journalism, health sciences to social work, researchers are applying AI to the world’s problems. Carolina already boasts a deep knowledge of the burgeoning technology, producing more than 3,000 publications advancing the field across the past decade, and is working collaboratively on a score of issues.
Researchers across campus are leading the way. At the College of Arts and Sciences’ computer science department, faculty and students specialize in groundbreaking areas like natural language processing, computer vision, multimodal AI, machine learning and more.
Carolina students can now pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in data science thanks to new programs at the School of Data Science and Society and College of Arts and Sciences. The School of Data Science and Society also offers an online Master of Applied Data Science.
The Office of the Provost recently launched the AI Acceleration program, which encourages and enables generative AI prototyping and application across campus in research, instruction and University operations.
University AI hub
AI at UNC is Carolina’s central website dedicated to artificial intelligence work. The site is a central platform for sharing knowledge, engaging in the community, driving innovation and fostering ethical AI practices. Discover resources related to research, teaching, working and studying with AI, and see how to get involved with AI across campus.
Explore more on the AI at UNC website.
AI for the public good
Can AI be used for crisis communication?
In a study led by Hussman’s Eva Zhao, culturally tailored chatbots delivered hurricane information to the public.
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.
Chatbot informs women about HIV prevention
Developed by Carolina researchers, ShesPrEPared uses artificial intelligence to help them pick their best option.
ChatGPT helps SILS information expert focus
The AI chatbot can be a powerful assistive technology for those with ADHD, including herself, says Maggie Melo.
Robotics work heralds ‘discovery factories’
Carolina scientists define lab automation and create AI that enables a robot to work beside humans.
Researcher uses data science to address homelessness
Data science and social work faculty member Hsun-Ta Hsu combines machine learning with data and community feedback.
Faces of AI
On the cutting edge
Here’s how Carolina faculty use AI
They are making sure students are literate in artificial intelligence and embracing it in their own teaching and research.
AI Acceleration Program helps student design proteins
Amartya Banerjee ’27 (PhD) used artificial intelligence tools and cloud computing to construct more accurate models.
Meet Carolina’s first GenAI faculty fellow
Dana Riger talks to instructors about using artificial intelligence in teaching and assessment.
BlueChipAI platform launched at business school
The new generative artificial intelligence platform is tailored for UNC Kenan-Flagler’s teaching, research and operational needs.
3 Carolina researchers share how they’re using AI
Artificial intelligence is driving discoveries in nutrition, transportation and education.
4 Carolina faculty, staff named to NC AI Leadership Council
The 24-member group will advise and support Gov. Josh Stein and state agencies on artificial intelligence strategy, policy and training.
Surveys mark latest step in Carolina’s AI approach
Analysis of the data will inform the University’s intentional implementation of artificial intelligence campuswide.
NCShare partnership to bolster Carolina’s AI research capacity
UNC-Chapel Hill has joined the statewide program that will allow researchers to process large amounts of data faster.
Welcome to the library AI studio
Beginning this fall, Tar Heels of all skill levels can experiment with generative AI in the new Davis Library space.
