Welcome to the Institute for AI & Computational Research (IACR) at the University of Rhode Island — a collaboratively supported effort by central IT Services (ITS), the Vice President for Research’s Office, the Provost’s Office, and faculty contributions through research grants.
The Institute’s mission is to support, promote and grow high-level interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary computational research — artificial intelligence (AI), data science (Data), high-performance computing (HPC), and quantum computing (Quantum) — across URI campuses, in the region, and beyond. The computational work of over 150 faculty researchers is supported by this Institute. A quick snapshot of IACR resources is available here: IACR at-a-glance. For details on the broad topic of Generative AI, and the relevant university-wide efforts and guidelines, please visit the URI Provost’s AI page.
The IACR has an internal advisory group of key URI faculty members: Drs. Chris Kincaid (Oceanography); Ying Zhang (Life Sciences), Jason Dwyer (Associate Dean, College of A&S), Chris Hemme (INBRE Bioinformatics Core Coordinator, College of Pharmacy) and Drew Zhang (Alfred J. Verrecchia Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics) and is led by Gaurav Khanna (Asst. Vice President for Research Computing). The Institute partners closely with the Massachusetts High-Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC). IACR was formerly known as the URI Center for Computational Research.
Email us at iacr-group@uri.edu with questions, comments, suggestions — anything!
News
IACR Lightning Talks — March 6th - Lightning Talks & Networking AI & Advanced Computationally Enhanced Research Approaches March 6, 2026 11:15am – 12:45pm Anchor Room, URI Welcome Center Hosts: The URI Office of Research Development and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Computational Research (IACR). Intended Audience: Faculty and graduate researchers Hear from URI Researchers who have harnessed AI and Advanced Computation to […]
Rhode Island’s AI Task Force Report - Rhode Island Governor’s AI Task Force has completed its work and has released a detailed report that highlights the recommended actions the state should take to leverage the advances in AI and protect against the potential downsides. The RI Current has a summary: https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/28/rhode-island-releases-its-roadmap-for-ai-some-boundaries-have-yet-to-be-drawn/ Here is the whole 75-page document: https://etss.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur466/files/2026-01/Final-Rhode-Island-AI-Action-Plan-Report-2026-01-26.pdf
AI and Quantum computing Summer Camp 2026 - This summer camp introduces students to foundational concepts in AI and quantum computing through guided activities, demos, and discussions led by URI faculty and students. Details here: https://web.uri.edu/iacr/summer-camp-2026/- Spring ’26 semester workshops - The details of our Spring ‘26 semester workshops appear below. These are open to faculty, staff, and students and are totally free. https://docs.unity.uri.edu/news/2026/01/uri-spring-26-workshops/You can also find these on the URI events calendar (and subscribe): https://events.uri.edu/group/ai This semester we have a new workshop on “Quantum Algorithms for Engineers and Scientists”. PS: Previously recorded versions are available here: https://its.uri.edu/research-training/
Set Sail for Innovation: Hack@URI 2026 - The IACR is supporting a student-led Hackathon initiative. Additional information about the event is available here: https://hackaturi.com/. The IACR is actively seeking industry partners, mentors, and judges across the various tracks. We are also interested in identifying potential guest speakers who may be willing to participate. Please reach out to us if you’re interested.