Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The University of Rochester has launched a national search for a new director of its Goergen Institute for Data Science. Henry Kautz is stepping down after leading the institute since its founding in 2014.

Many people think of data science in terms of analysis of datasets. But as Columbia University's Jeannette Wing stressed to an audience at the Goergen Institute for Data Science recently, data science entails a lot more than that.

In recognition of a gift from University trustee Stephen Biggar ’92 and his wife, Elisabeth Asaro-Biggar ’92—both former varsity soccer players— the entryway to Genesee Hall and the Boehning Varsity House will be named the Big “R” Atrium.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced $20 million in state support for the creation of a Rochester Data Science Consortium at the University of Rochester, with Harris Corporation as the consortium’s first partner.

Launched in 2016, the institute serves as a hub, bringing together researchers in fields such as public health and political science, with experts in machine learning and data mining.

Dedicated during Meliora Weekend last fall, Wegmans Hall will open for researchers this year and will become the home to the Goergen Institute for Data Science.

Researchers can track the flu, consumer preferences, and movie box office sales, all from the millions of tweets posted every day.

Ehsan Hoque, assistant director for research outreach at the Goergen Institute for Data Science, has been recognized as a leading innovator along with other U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and other winners this year.

Representatives from dozens of industries will discuss how University-industry cooperation could help address such issues as soaring health care costs, the challenges involved in sharing data, and finding ways to retain graduates with computational skills.

As Meliora Weekend ceremonies kicked off, the University celebrated the dedication of the new Wegmans Hall, the future home for the Goergen Institute for Data Science. (University photos / J. Adam Fenster)