UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CSRAI) is launching the “Research-a-thon,” a competition celebrating innovative uses of generative AI in academic research.
The event is open to all Penn State researchers, including collaborative teams. Entries must be submitted via the Research-a-thon submission form by 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1.
Submissions should describe how generative AI was used to advance a research project: whether AI played a role in literature review, hypothesis generation, experimental design, data collection and analysis, modeling and simulation, communication of results or any other research tasks.
A panel of judges will evaluate each submission on criteria such as innovation and originality, the significance of AI’s contribution to the research and the impact on research outcomes.
“The strongest submissions will demonstrate how AI has transformed both the conduct of the research and its outcomes, showcasing the transformative potential of generative AI,” said S. Shyam Sundar, director of CSRAI.
First- , second- and third-place awards — of $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively — will be presented to the researchers whose work best meets the Research-a-thon criteria. Honorable mention awards of $500 will also be presented.
The event is the sixth in CSRAI’s series of challenges that explore the benefits and dangers of generative AI:
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The Bias-a-thon highlighted demographic and cultural biases built into many generative AI tools.
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The Cheat-a-thon tested generative AI’s limits in answering college-level exam questions.
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The Diagnose-a-thon identified the power and pitfalls of using generative AI for medical inquiries.
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The Fake-a-thon explored the challenges of identifying AI-generated fake news.
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The Teach-a-thon celebrated innovative teaching practices that adapt courses to the rise of generative AI.
Launched in 2020, the Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence promotes high-impact, transformative AI research and development, while encouraging the consideration of social and ethical implications in all such efforts. It supports a broad range of activities from foundational research to the application of AI to all areas of human endeavor.
For questions about the event, visit the Research-a-thon website or contact Amulya Yadav, CSRAI associate director of programs, at auy212@psu.edu.
Penn State is shaping the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. Our focus is on human-centered, ethical AI innovation that delivers meaningful impacts for Penn State and the broader community. Through visionary planning, strategic partnerships, targeted hiring and strategic investments, we will equip every Penn State student, staff and faculty member with the AI-related knowledge, experience and confidence they need to succeed in the AI-powered future. Learn more at psu.edu/ai.