TCU recently announced AI², a major universitywide effort powered through multiple partnerships, including Dell Technologies. TCU’s Accelerating Institutional Artificial Intelligence, or AI²,  represents a $10 million combination of university funding and partner contributions, marking one of TCU’s largest research and technology commitments to date and a significant step toward strengthening the instituion’s research profile and progress toward Research 1 status, the highest designation in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Reuben Burch, vice provost for research, answered questions for TCU News to outline the approach, impact and what’s ahead.

In simple terms, what does this project accomplish for TCU, and why is it important?
As TCU quickly moves toward R1 status and beyond, it’s critical that we provide the best tools to teach our students and to aid our faculty in meeting the needs of our community through research and creative activity. AI² provides that world-class capability to encourage interdisciplinary research partnerships, foster high-impact outcomes and accelerate development amongst all our teachers and learners. With AI driving so many changes taking place daily across the world, AI² empowers TCU to be an even bigger change agent.

How do the Dell on-premise AI system and the AWS cloud component work together — and why was that dual approach chosen?
Having AI capability on and off campus allows TCU to take a hybrid approach. We have critical data that needs to stay local to TCU so that we can ensure its security and protection. We have some data that, while important, has less restrictions and therefore can be either on or off premise. This hybrid approach allows for flexibility — maximizing what we can do onsite without overexpanding before we need the resources — while also being mindful of resources like power consumption.

What impact will this have on faculty, students and our path toward R1 status?
AI² will be an immediate boost in all facets of TCU’s Strategic Plan, influencing faculty collaboration, student preparedness and the institution’s path toward R1 status. By strategically dedicating resources and creating a centralized hub, TCU can transform all its AI initiatives from individualized, disconnected efforts into a core institutional strength.

What makes this distinctive or newsworthy compared to what peer institutions are doing?
Our AI activities are noteworthy because of our strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary integration, ethical considerations and practical application across various fields of study, including the fine and liberal arts as well as business, in addition to the fundamental sciences and engineering. Unlike some institutions that focus narrowly on a single discipline or purely research-driven AI, TCU is prioritizing ethical and applied use of AI as a foundational part of the university experience for both students and faculty. As we build out our governance and processes, our faculty will help guide the path forward for the four critical AI application pillars: 1) AI tools in teaching, 2) AI tools in research, 3) Research in AI and 4) Ethics in AI. 

When will AI² be operational across campus?
All of the hardware is physically here on campus, and the IT team is moving quickly and effectively on installation. Beyond installing the equipment, we are also putting the right security protocols and usage processes in place to protect TCU research and ensure that everyone who needs access will have it. We expect to pilot early activity by the end of this calendar year. In January, we will be able to provide an update on the timing for the full campus rollout.