Researchers from across the University of Michigan and beyond gathered for the 2026 AI in Research Symposium, a two-day event showcasing how artificial intelligence is moving from possibility into practice. Bringing together voices from the sciences, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences, the symposium highlighted the transformative potential of AI to advance discovery, spark collaboration and address complex challenges across disciplines.
The AI in Research Symposium continues to demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of AI-enabled research happening across our community… What makes this event special is the opportunity for researchers from different disciplines to learn from one another, build new connections and explore how AI can accelerate discovery in meaningful and responsible ways.
Jing Liu, Executive Director of MIDAS
The symposium featured keynote presentations from Venkat Viswanathan (University of Michigan), Jun Li (University of Oklahoma) and Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh (Carnegie Mellon University), who shared perspectives on the evolving role of AI in research and creativity. Their talks explored how AI-driven models are accelerating breakthroughs in chemistry and materials science, reshaping the culture of scientific discovery and expanding the boundaries of creative practice.
A centerpiece of the symposium was the AI Journeys series, which moved beyond AI hype to highlight the real experiences of researchers applying AI in their work. Faculty shared candid stories about integrating AI into their research workflows, showcasing applications in areas such as brain tumor diagnosis, ICU monitoring, drug discovery, power grid resilience and agriculture. These presentations sparked meaningful conversations and opened new opportunities for collaboration across research communities.
The symposium also created space for global dialogue through the Conversations Across Cultures panel, featuring keynote speakers and guest panelist Vukosi Marivate. The discussion explored how AI is influencing research, creativity and society across different disciplines and regions of the world, with audience questions examining topics including AI in education, equitable AI development, coding, creativity and the future of research.
Attendees also connected with campus resources through the AI Resources Showcase, which introduced the Campus AI Resource Map and Online AI Guidebook while highlighting the work of 10 U-M organizations supporting AI research and collaboration. More than 80 poster presentations showcased innovative AI applications across disciplines, providing researchers with opportunities to exchange ideas, share discoveries and build new partnerships.
The event celebrated the innovative work of the U-M research community through the 2026 AI Institutes at Michigan (AIIM) Empowering Research with AI Awards. Selected from more than 180 submissions representing all three U-M campuses, the awards recognized individuals and teams using AI in innovative, responsible and impactful ways to advance research.
The symposium also expanded global connections through the U-M & Africa AI in Research Collaboration Workshop, which brought together faculty, institutional leaders and Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows to identify shared research priorities and strengthen partnerships across institutions.
AI research advances most rapidly when diverse perspectives come together. The conversations, partnerships and ideas that emerged from this year’s symposium reflect the collaborative spirit that will help shape the future of AI-enabled research at Michigan and around the world.
Jing Liu, Executive Director of MIDAS
MIDAS thanks symposium sponsors AWS and Presidio for their support in making the event possible.