Tuskegee University Receives $699,999 NSF Grant for Trustworthy AI in Healthcare
Tuskegee University has been awarded a significant research grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings. The three-year project aims to improve the safety, transparency, and reliability of AI-assisted medical technologies by developing more robust systems that can generate responses grounded in reliable evidence.
The initiative is housed within the Department of Computer Science in the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science at Tuskegee University. Led by Assistant Professor Dr. Baiyun Chen as principal investigator, the research team will combine evidence-based reasoning with compliance-aware AI methodologies to support clinical guidelines and regulatory requirements.
One key aspect of this project is its focus on incorporating meaningful human oversight into high-risk healthcare decision-making processes. By doing so, the researchers hope to increase confidence in AI technologies used across various healthcare settings. This approach also acknowledges that AI assistants can only be as effective as their ability to work alongside humans.
The research team will draw expertise from multiple disciplines, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and healthcare informatics. A notable collaboration is with the University of North Texas, which brings additional knowledge in these areas. The project’s scope encompasses not just technical advancements but also workforce development and faculty mentorship opportunities for students.
According to Dr. Thierno Thiam, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tuskegee University, this grant represents a significant milestone in the institution’s progress as leaders in shaping the future of AI in higher education. He notes that beyond immediate impacts on trustworthy AI development, the grant strengthens research capacity and reinforces the university’s commitment to its mission.
The project also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. Dr. Sean Edmund Rogers, Dean of the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science, emphasizes Tuskegee University’s unique position in bringing together computer science and business scholars to explore discoveries that will shape future work practices.
Dr. Fan Wu, Department Head of Computer Science at Tuskegee University, sees this project as a meaningful opportunity for faculty-led research while providing students with hands-on experience tackling pressing AI challenges in healthcare. Through this initiative, the university aims to build the next generation of researchers and innovators equipped to develop responsible AI solutions.
The NSF award not only advances research but also expands opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, and data science. This grant further reinforces Tuskegee University’s growing leadership in these areas while supporting its mission of advancing knowledge through education, service, and research.
The project is titled ‘Excellence in Research: Trustworthy AI for Healthcare: Evidence-Grounded, Compliant, Human-in-the-Loop,’ reflecting the comprehensive approach it takes to address healthcare challenges with trustworthy AI. This initiative underscores Tuskegee University’s commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in shaping the future of AI applications.