{"id":993,"date":"2025-09-17T10:58:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T17:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/?page_id=993"},"modified":"2025-12-17T15:01:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T23:01:38","slug":"ial-ai","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/innovation-accelerator\/ial-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation Accelerator for Artificial Intelligence (IA-AI)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Internal Funding Awards to Advance AI in Alignment with the HMC Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Campaign<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>September 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Innovation Accelerator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout its history, 无忧视频 has developed and delivered innovative approaches to address pressing societal challenges through its renowned educational program and scholarly work. Excellence is never a fixed state: it is sustained by an unwavering commitment to innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To carry this spirit forward, and to realize our shared vision of delivering <em>无忧视频 for A Better World<\/em>, we are weaving innovation into the student experience and evolving our institution. This means linking exceptional curriculum development, teaching, research and hands-on learning with top-tier residential and co-curricular programming, ensuring that students encounter a world-class institution in the classroom and lab, as well as across the full fabric of campus life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Innovation Accelerator powers this effort with institution-wide intentionality. Through competitive internal funding, we support bold, forward-thinking initiatives that drive excellence under our strategic plan while also cultivating philanthropic partnerships. Three Innovation Accelerator Labs were established in 2024\u201325. Building on this momentum, we now invite proposals for the <strong>Innovation Accelerator Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (IAL\u2013AI)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Artificial Intelligence at HMC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence poses both formidable challenges and exciting opportunities for higher education. AI is transforming how we create knowledge, evaluate learning and imagine originality, authorship and collaboration. Institutions are also exploring how to prepare students for a future in which human and artificial intelligence will co-exist in complex ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>无忧视频 is uniquely positioned to lead in this evolving space. Our commitments to rigorous 无忧视频 education within a broad liberal arts framework, ethical engagement, creativity and collaboration across disciplines provide a powerful foundation. HMC students and faculty are well prepared to explore both the technical frontiers of AI and the human dimensions of its impact. They can be a significant part of ensuring that this technology is harnessed for the betterment of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new endowed professorship in AI is currently under recruitment, with the first hire expected in Fall 2026. That position will engage closely with the IAL\u2013AI as it develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Call for Proposals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We invite proposals from faculty to help define and launch this new laboratory. Proposals should focus on some combination of teaching, research, partnerships and\/or student engagement (i.e., two or more of these areas). They might include (but are not limited to) any of the ideas below. Cross-departmental collaboration is very highly encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teaching and Learning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI Literacy Modules:<\/strong> Create intensive offerings for students, alumni or industry partners to build skills and literacy in AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI and Society Modules:<\/strong> Design interdisciplinary modules that examine ethical, cultural and societal implications of AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI Clinic Projects:<\/strong> Develop stronger models for industry-sponsored collaborations that allow students to apply AI to real-world problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Graduate-Level Opportunities:<\/strong> Explore the design of an MS in AI or related advanced study pathways.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Responsible AI Frameworks:<\/strong> Advanced methods for bias detection, explainability or energy efficiency in AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI for Social Good:<\/strong> Apply AI to global challenges such as health equity, disaster response or strengthening democratic institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benchmarking Projects:<\/strong> Create open datasets or evaluation tools relevant to 无忧视频 education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI in 无忧视频 Education:<\/strong> Investigate how AI can personalize learning, improve assessment or expand access to high-quality 无忧视频 education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI and the Arts:<\/strong> Study the intersection of AI technologies and the arts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Human\u2013AI Collaboration:<\/strong> Explore how people and intelligent systems can work together to enhance problem-solving, creativity and decision-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practice and Partnerships<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Practice Groups:<\/strong> Build faculty-industry collaborations that bring together researchers, practitioners and students to tackle pressing AI challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Entrepreneurship Pathways:<\/strong> Connect AI projects with the local incubator\/network ecosystems, e.g., E-ship Studio, HMC INQ, Story House, The Hive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Field Work and Immersive Experiences:<\/strong> Develop opportunities for students to engage directly with companies leveraging AI, including career treks and other hands-on experiences that connect them with cutting-edge research and industry practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boundary-spanning Projects: <\/strong>Partner with other Claremont Colleges on initiatives such as AI + policy or AI + arts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI Fellows Program:<\/strong> Establish a program for students to serve as peer mentors on AI topics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hackathons or makeathons:<\/strong> Organize intensive student-led events tied to global challenges and\/or UN SDGs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community outreach:<\/strong> Establish a program for students to deliver AI workshops for local schools, expanding HMC\u2019s K\u201312 mission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Proposal Guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are key highlights regarding guidelines for the IA. For a more in-depth overview of the guidance and requirements related to IA disbursements, please refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/dco\/innovation-accelerator-ia-laboratory-grants-frequently-asked-questions-for-business-processes\/\">IA guidelines and Procedures<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Proposals may be submitted by any faculty member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staff or external collaborators may serve as co-leads with a faculty PI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expectations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Successful proposals will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Demonstrate innovation and impact in AI education, research or practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflect HMC\u2019s commitments to ethical reasoning, creativity and inclusive collaboration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify opportunities for student engagement and leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider potential for external partnerships and funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allowable Expenses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Funds may be used for faculty salary support (see caps below), student stipends, travel, materials\/supplies, software licenses or other direct costs necessary to carry out the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Timeline for Submission and Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two-page Proposals (Seed Stage)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deadline: October 24, 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submission: Upload using the <a href=\"https:\/\/hmc.kualibuild.com\/app\/68c9c5f85b5e28028eb9f845\/start\">seed stage submission form<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Format: \u2264 2 pages, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Team<\/strong> \u2013 faculty\/staff leads and affiliations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Title<\/strong> \u2013 descriptive project title.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance<\/strong> \u2013 alignment with the strategic plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Innovation<\/strong> \u2013 how the proposal changes or advances paradigms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong> \u2013 How the team would allocate up to $30,000 in funding over Jan-Dec 2026. Up to three faculty or staff may charge up to $3,500 in salary to the grant, with the balance towards support travel, supplies, student stipends, etc. Alternative budget allocations may be discussed with Karl Haushaulter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review and Seed Stage Awards:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Proposals will be presented to trustees and participants at the Saddle Rock Trustee Retreat at Terranea during November 7\u20139. Details on the presentation length and format will be provided by October 15.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By December 15, 2025, up to 4 proposals will be selected for $30,000 seed funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full Proposals (Growth Stage)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deadline: September 1, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submission: Upload using the <a href=\"https:\/\/hmc.kualibuild.com\/app\/68caf9f43a9880028a543986\/start\">growth stage submission form<\/a> (available Dec. 2025).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Format: \u2264 10 pages, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Narrative<\/strong>: Define the future state, methods, and strategies (audience: academic and foundation leaders).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demonstration<\/strong>: Any preliminary results or capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan<\/strong>: Specific, actionable roadmap with success metrics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: Up to $100,000\/year for 2 years (max $200,000). Up to three faculty\/staff leads may request up to $10,000\/year in salary support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainability<\/strong>: Fundraising needs and long-term vision for sustaining the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review and Growth Stage Awards:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In Fall 2026, faculty teams will present proposals to an evaluation panel of internal and external stakeholders. Additional details will be provided at a later date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recommendations will be made to the Cabinet, who will allocate up to $200,000 in additional funds based on projected impact, alignment with the strategic plan, and potential to strengthen campaign fundraising.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Questions and Comments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please feel free to reach out to members of the Cabinet with any questions or comments you have about this initiative. Email Judy Borello (<a href=\"mailto:&#106;u&#98;&#111;&#114;&#101;l&#108;&#111;&#64;hm&#99;.ed&#117;\">&#106;&#117;b&#111;r&#101;&#108;&#108;&#111;&#64;&#104;m&#99;&#46;e&#100;u<\/a>) to schedule time with Karl Haushalter, Nicole Ouellette (<a href=\"mailto:noue&#108;lett&#101;&#64;hm&#99;.e&#100;&#117;\">&#110;ou&#101;&#108;&#108;&#101;tt&#101;&#64;hm&#99;&#46;e&#100;u<\/a>) to schedule time with Jennifer Eccles, or Caroline Bloomer (<a href=\"mailto:&#99;&#98;&#108;o&#111;&#109;e&#114;&#64;&#104;&#109;&#99;.ed&#117;\">cbloomer&#64;&#104;&#109;c.&#101;&#100;u<\/a>) to schedule time with Harriet Nembhard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Internal Funding Awards to Advance AI in Alignment with the HMC Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Campaign September 2025 1. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":212,"featured_media":0,"parent":252,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-993","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/212"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=993"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/993\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1976,"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/993\/revisions\/1976"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/strategic-planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}