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DataSci+AI Forum

DataSci+AI Forum 2026 is scheduled for March 26 & 27th, 2026

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The Story and Future of Pittsburgh Through Data

DataSci+AI Forum celebrates the idea that every dataset tells a story and together, those stories shape Pittsburgh’s past, present, and future. Over two days, the University of Pittsburgh convenes students, faculty, regional employers, government leaders, nonprofits, and innovators to explore how data and AI help us understand our region and imagine what comes next. By centering context and community, the event reframes data not merely as information, but as a shared storytelling tool for building a more equitable and forward-looking Pittsburgh.

Why should you join us? 

Pittsburgh stands at a pivotal moment. The rapid rise of AI is transforming every sector from healthcare and finance to manufacturing, public service, and community organizations. Yet responsible innovation requires more than technical expertise; it demands context awareness, ethical grounding, and collaboration across institutions.

DataSci+AI Forum positions Pittsburgh as a national leader in responsible data and AI by creating a place where stories, insights, and strategies can be shared across sectors. Sponsors help activate a regional ecosystem committed to innovation, workforce development, and community impact.

  Day 1 Day 2
Location:

William Pitt Union

Heinz History Center
Audience:  Pitt leadership, faculty, students, centers, labs External partners, community members, and the Pitt community are interested in co-authoring Pittsburgh’s next chapter
Goal:  Align Pitt around a shared narrative: how data + AI help us understand, shape, and serve the academic mission. Connecting faculty to Pitt orgs while refocusing DS/AI innovation back into the Pittsburgh region
   

Parking Information

Parking for the event is available in several nearby lots and on surrounding streets within walking distance of the Heinz History Center. Please note that these parking facilities are not owned or operated by the History Center, and pricing may vary by location.

At this time, pre-paid parking is not available. Attendees are encouraged to park in the most convenient nearby lot and retain their parking receipt. Reimbursement details will be provided on-site, and our team will be available to help make the process as simple as possible.

For additional parking information and directions, please visit:
https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/heinz-history-center/directions-parking/

Day 1 Agenda 

9:00-9:50 AM | The Big Questions for AI at Pitt: A Breakfast Dialogue

Throughout the day, participants are invited to engage with a set of guiding questions about the future of AI at Pitt and in the Pittsburgh region. Each station focuses on a key theme—responsible AI use, digital leadership, teaching and learning, governance, and regional impact—and is facilitated by university and community leaders. Attendees can contribute ideas, examples, and perspectives that will inform the closing roundtable discussion and help shape collective insights from the forum.

Join us for a dynamic breakfast meet-and-greet where participants connect through themed tables organized around key topics in AI and data science. Engage in focused conversations, share ideas, and build new collaborations over breakfast.

  • What are examples of responsible AI use cases in research, teaching, and operations at Pitt?
  • What does “digital leadership” mean for our University and regional leaders?
  • How does the availability of GenAI tools shape how we design instructional experiences and assess competencies?
  • What governance and transparency practices are needed for responsible AI adoption at the institutional level?
  • How can Pitt ensure AI innovation benefits the broader Pittsburgh region and workforce?
9:50-10:00 AM | Opening Remarks by Michael Colaresi, Director, Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership

Michael Colaresi, Director of HAIL, will open Day 1 of the DataSci+AI Forum by framing the theme, The Story and Future of Pittsburgh Through Data. He will highlight how AI and data science are advancing research, education, and regional impact at Pitt. He will help set the tone for a day focused on collaboration and responsible innovation.

10:00–10:40 AM | Keynote Address by Hooman Rashidi, physician 
executive and national leader in clinical AI | PITT at the forefront of AI:  It’s Transformative roles in research, clinical care, and education

Join Hooman Rashidi, physician executive and national leader in clinical AI, for a forward-looking keynote on how artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare, education, and institutional leadership. Drawing on his work at UPMC and CPACE, he will explore how organizations can move beyond AI hype to build practical, ethical, and scalable AI strategies that create real impact.

10:40–11:00 AM | Q&A lead by Michael Colaresi

Michael Colaresi, will lead a Q&A and introduce Provost Joe McCarthy.

11:00-11:15 AM |Remarks by Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy

Provost Joe McCarthy will offer brief remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the role of AI and data science in shaping our shared future.

11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Student Posters & Demo Showcase | Lunch | Opening Remarks by Bruce Childers, Dean, School of Computing and Information

Join us for lunch as Bruce Childers opens the Student Poster Showcase, highlighting the innovation and interdisciplinary work of Pitt students. Explore cutting-edge projects in AI and data science while connecting directly with emerging scholars and their research.

1:00–2:00 PM | AI for the Academic Mission: Building a Unified Ecosystem

This moderated discussion will explore how AI is shaping teaching, research, and workforce development in higher education. Speakers will discuss how universities and industry can collaborate effectively, how the broader AI ecosystem functions, from startups to large tech companies, and the role infrastructure platforms like AWS play in enabling innovation. The session will conclude with audience questions and a conversation with faculty and students about the skills needed as AI becomes central to many disciplines. Kendra H. Oliver will act as moderator as the managing director of the University of Pittsburgh Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL). The panel will include Joseph T. Yun, Ph.D., Director of AI Enablement Pitt Digital - University of Pittsburgh, Dallas Maddox, PhD – Strategy Lead for Higher Education Data Analytics, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Ahmad P. Tafti, PhD, FAMIA,  Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Gayle Rogers – Andrew W. Mellon Professor & Department Chair, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, and  Ava Luu – Pitt CICs Program, Pitt Cloud Innovation Center. 

2:00–2:50 PM | Final Roundtables: Building “The Pitt AI Playbook”

The forum concludes with a series of roundtable discussions where participants reflect on the day’s conversations and help shape a shared vision for the future of AI at the University of Pittsburgh and across the region. Guided by a set of forward-looking prompts, attendees will discuss what insights surprised them most, what decisions Pitt must make in the next two years, what responsibilities the university has to the Pittsburgh community, and what success could look like five years from now.

Participants will also vote on the most important AI issues facing Pitt, helping identify areas of consensus and emerging priorities. Insights from these conversations will be synthesized into “The Pitt AI Forum Playbook,” a short summary capturing key themes around responsible AI, digital leadership, teaching and learning, governance, and regional impact. This resource will help inform ongoing conversations and future initiatives across Pitt and the broader community.

Day 2 Agenda 

9:00-9:40 AM | Connect & Collaborate: AI Topic Networking Breakfast

Start the day by checking in, grabbing coffee, and connecting with fellow attendees. This informal networking time offers an opportunity to meet colleagues across disciplines, spark new conversations, and set the tone for a collaborative and engaging day.

9:40-10:00 AM | Opening Remarks | Chris Belasco, City of Pittsburgh's Chief Data Officer

Join us as we officially launch Day 2 of the DataSci+AI Forum with opening remarks from Chris Belasco, City of Pittsburgh's Chief Data Officer. Chris will reflect on Pittsburgh’s evolving story, including where the region has been, where it is today, and how data and artificial intelligence are shaping the city’s future. Drawing on the City’s work to use data to improve public services, advance equity, and strengthen connections with residents, the remarks will frame the day’s conversations about how universities, industry, government, and communities can work together to build a more innovative and responsible data-driven future for Pittsburgh.

10:00–11:00 AM | DS/AI for Sports: Richard Turnquist, Associate Athletic Director for Data and Analytics

This session explores how data science and AI are transforming sports performance, strategy, and operations. The hour will begin with a featured talk by Ron Yurko (Carnegie Mellon University) from 10:10–10:40 AM, followed by a panel discussion from 10:40–11:10 AM featuring Katerina Wu, Ty Walters, and Nalyn Siripong (Pitt IT). Together, they will examine how advanced analytics and AI-driven insights are shaping decision-making across competitive sports and institutional infrastructure.

11:00 AM–11:55 PM | DS/AI for Altruism: Nora Mattern, Director, Center  for Analytical Approaches in Social Innovation

This session explores how data science and AI can deepen our understanding of altruism, cooperation, and prosocial behavior. The hour will begin with a featured talk by Eric Zahren of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (10:10–10:40 AM), followed by a panel discussion (10:40–11:10 AM) featuring John Clarke Professor Emeritus of Drexel University, Michael Colaresi, and Nathan Catlin of HAIL. Together, they will examine how AI-enabled research and responsible data practices can generate new insights into heroic action and advance efforts that promote peace, security, and the public good.

12:00–12:55 PM | The DataJam Student Poster Showcase & Networking Lunch|Remarks by Bruce Childers

Bruce Childers will close the morning session and officially open lunch and informal networking. During this time, attendees are invited to explore The DataJam High School Poster Session, engage with presenters, and connect at themed tables designed to spark conversation around AI and data science.

1:00–2:00 PM | DS/AI for Space Exploration: Alan George, R&H Mickle 
Endowed Chair, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering

This session brings together experts across engineering, robotics, and scientific research for a dynamic panel discussion on how data and AI are driving new frontiers in space. Together, they will explore how advanced analytics, machine learning, and autonomous systems are enabling breakthroughs in space technology, mission design, and planetary exploration, expanding what’s possible beyond Earth. The panel, moderated by Alan George, will include Zachary Mattis, a Perception Software Engineer at Astrobotic, Mike Ramsey (DSAS), and others. 

2:00– 3:00 PM | DS/AI for Nature & Conservation: Justin Kitzes, Associate 
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

This session highlights how data science and AI are transforming research and action in biodiversity, climate, and environmental stewardship. The hour will include a featured talk by Sarah Huebner and Brian Gratwicke from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  (12:55–1:25 PM, speaker TBD), followed by a panel discussion featuring Emily Wanderer (DSAS) and Yiluan Song (Biological Sciences) and Jeff Larkin (Indiana University of Pennsivania).  Together, they will explore how advanced analytics, ecological modeling, and responsible data practices can support conservation decision-making and advance sustainable solutions.

3:00– 4:00 PM |  DS/AI for Learning & Education: Judy Cameron, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine
This session explores how data science and AI are reshaping teaching, learning, and educational leadership across K–12 and higher education. The hour will begin with a featured talk by Michael Fierle, Director of the Math & Science Collaborative at Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (12:55–3:25 PM), followed by a panel discussion (3:25–3:55 PM) featuring Beth Schwanke (PittCyber), John Radzilowicz (UCTL), and Jennifer Iriti (LSET Hub). Together, they will examine how responsible AI integration can support educators, strengthen student outcomes, and advance digital leadership in an AI-enabled learning ecosystem.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Panther Tier Sponsors 

 

Bridges Tier Sponsors 

Rivers Tier Sponsors 
Anonymous Donor  

Thank you to our Planning and Advisory Groups!

Event Planning Committee 
  • Erin Maloney
  • Kendra H. Oliver
  • Susan Orr
  • Thais Dias Safe Carneiro
  • Beth Schwanke
  • Leming Zhou
  • Loretta Fernandez
  • Kate Ulreich
  • Jennifer Iriti
Student Advisory Committee

Coming soon!

External Advisory Committee

Coming soon!

Become a DataSci+AI Forum Partner or Sponsor

DataSci+AI Forum is a convening focused on how data and AI shape our past, present, and future. Partnership and sponsorship position your organization at the center of discussions on responsible AI, workforce development, and community partnerships—while offering meaningful engagement with an interdisciplinary, future-facing audience.

The Panther Tier — $7,500

Benefits include:

  • Prominent logo placement on event signage and website

  • Recognition during opening remarks

  • Half-page profile in the event program

  • Opportunity to participate in a panel, roundtable, or breakout session

  • Employer booth or demo station option

The Bridges Tier — $3,000

Benefits include:

  • Logo featured on the event website and program

  • Recognition during closing remarks

  • Quarter-page profile in the event program

  • Optional employer booth during Day 1 or Day 2

  • Inclusion in all sponsor listings

The Rivers Tier — $1,000

Benefits include:

  • Logo displayed on event signage and website

  • Listing in the event program

  • Invitation to attend both days of programming

  • Recognition on social media

Storyteller Partner — In-Kind Support

For organizations contributing datasets, AI tools, services, workshops, or student experience opportunities aligned with DS/AI Days.

Benefits include:

  • Recognition on the website and in the event program

  • Acknowledgment during relevant sessions

  • Opportunity to feature tools or data in student storytelling activities