UNB advancing artificial intelligence and data science with $2.5 million commitment

University of New Brunswick (UNB) alumnus Dick Carpenter (BA '72) and the McKenna Institute are pleased to announce a gift of $2.5 million to advance the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science at UNB. AI and data science have become essential elements in the creation of effective digital products and services. AI depends on large data sets for developing reliable predictive models and data science relies on AI algorithms to extract meaningful features from data sets. This interdependence has resulted in AI and data science becoming increasingly intertwined and dependent upon advances in math, computer science and software engineering. This gift will support the development of interdisciplinary AI and data science research across UNB's faculties and campuses. It was secured through the ambassadorship of UNB alumnus and former New Brunswick premier The Hon. "We tend to think of AI in terms of social media algorithms," said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB's president and vice-chancellor.