This week was full of celebrations and milestones - including recognizing NSF staff and public servants for their hard work to better the nation; celebrating teachers for their dedication to educating the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators; and a milestone in achieving responsible artificial intelligence.
On Sunday, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan traveled to Boston, where he delivered a commencement speech at Northeastern University's 2024 graduate commencement ceremony at Fenway Park. During his address, he encouraged the students to embrace the spirit of inquiry, curiosity and discovery as they embark on their professional journeys.
On Monday, Panchanathan joined the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to discuss AI efforts. At this event, the director announced the first 35 projects that will be supported with computational time through the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot, marking a significant milestone in fostering responsible AI research across the nation.
The director concluded the week by attending the AI Expo for National Competitiveness in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project. Panchanathan gave a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of strengthening investments in AI research and development for the nation's competitiveness and growth and partnering to drive innovation and propel the U.S. to a prosperous future. At the expo, the director had a unique opportunity to converse with companies and universities at the forefront of AI powered by NSF investments.
