TU/e aims to integrate AI into all of its processes and recently raised the question of whether AI institute EAISI will continue to exist in its current form. The university did so in a statement about restructuring its institutes and so-called flagships.

It is now up to the institute’s director, Carlo van de Weijer, to examine what role EAISI should play within the university and whether it should remain a research institute. The Executive Board has made it clear in any case that AI will take on a more prominent role within TU/e. “It may be that we will do more for that from within EAISI,” Van de Weijer says.

Around 1,100 researchers are affiliated with EAISI. The institute has also successfully built a strong profile beyond the campus: EAISI has become a well-known name outside its walls as well. For example, former Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel spontaneously offered himself as a speaker late last year at the institute’s well-attended AI Summit Brainport.

More than a research institute

EAISI had already evolved beyond being a traditional research institute. In addition to facilitating and stimulating interdepartmental AI research, it has, for example, arranged additional computing power for the university and the region and supports start-ups and spin-offs with guidance and additional funding.

However, there is still much more to be done in the field of AI at TU/e, Van de Weijer explains, referring to an external audit in which the university reviewed all of its institutes last summer. “EAISI performed well, but they did say: TU/e, practice what you preach.” In other words, apply the knowledge you have in-house across the rest of the organization as well.

Several people within the university are already working on this, including full professor Tom van Woensel, who is examining what should and should not be done in the area of education. Van de Weijer: “What the audit committee felt was still missing, above all, was central coordination.”

AI center

The question now is whether EAISI should take on that role, or whether that responsibility should fall directly under General Affairs, for example. Van de Weijer can envision a future in which EAISI becomes an integral AI center, but also one in which the institute ‘simply’ remains a research institute while additionally serving as the internal coordinator of AI activities. He also sees a possible front-desk function, handling questions from inside and outside the university about opportunities in the field of AI.

Whatever the outcome, EAISI’s role in AI research must not disappear, Van de Weijer stresses. “Not on my watch. I sincerely believe that if we, as a university, take up our role in AI, the world will be better for it. That is our mission, and we will remain committed to it. We think and act based on European values and are at the heart of one of the most important AI ecosystems.” Without EAISI’s coordinating role in multidisciplinary AI research, the university would be missing a major opportunity – and, more importantly, shirking a major responsibility, he says.

Seven AI domains

According to Van de Weijer, the university should focus on seven AI domains: research, infrastructure, community, external positioning, application in education and research, valorization, and operations. EAISI is already active in many of these domains. “For example, we set up infrastructure with supercomputer SPIKE-1 because we believed it was important. We also have a strong external profile, a large community, and provide additional guidance to start-ups and spin-offs.” What is still lacking is the application of AI in education, research, and operations, although the university has already initiated steps in these areas. Each of the seven domains is represented in the taskforce that Van de Weijer will now lead.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.