Focused Research Programs
Overview
The mission of the Hariri Institute’s Focused Research Programs (FRPs) is to evolve and advance Boston University’s research in computing and data science around areas of strategic importance and emerging opportunity. The programs are designed to facilitate research convergence by providing ‘scaffolding’ for groups to coalesce in sustainable ways, with the goal of accelerating research for future funding and broader impact.
The deadline to submit FY25 Focused Research Program full proposals is March 25, 2024. Learn more here.
News & Updates
- Can understanding social needs help researchers predict COVID-19 outcomes?
- Focused Research Program Faculty Member Uses Computational Models to Design Better Batteries
- Focused Research Program Faculty Member Awarded Funding from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation
- Focused Research Program Faculty Awarded NSF EAGER Grant
FY24 FRPs
Novel data science and AI approaches for Brain Health and Brain Disease FRP
Digital Health Initiative (DHI) Special Track: This FRP brings together clinicians, neuroscientists, engineers, biostatisticians, and computer and data scientists with the objective of connecting methodologies with scientific questions related to detecting, preventing and treating brain disease. This FRP is cosponsored by the Hariri Institute, the School of Public Health and the Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Learn more.
First Trip to Mars: How to Pack Light FRP
Designed to support NASA’s plans to land humans on Mars in the 2030s, this FRP aims to produce novel software based on data from Mars orbiters and rovers to model the ionosphere, its impact on navigation systems, and engineer microbial communities capable of C sequestration and nutrients production. Learn more.
Health Equity in the Wake of Continued Climate Change: Leveraging Big Data to Inform Action FRP
The goal of this FRP is to provide the BU climate and health research community access to shared resources to accelerate research, innovation, and translation in this area. This FRP is jointly funded by the Hariri Institute and the Institute of Global Sustainability (IGS). Learn more.
Optimal Bio-Inspired Design of Holistic Rehabilitation Systems FRP
This FRP focuses on developing theory-informed principles embedded into a lightweight and adaptable system to realize efficient, safe, and intuitive wearable robots for broad mobility assistance across users, tasks, environmental conditions, and disabilities. Learn more.
FY23 FRPs
The Teaching Machines Human-Like Intelligence FRP creates convergence around foundational research in artificial intelligence (AI) at BU. Learn more here.
The Quantum Convergence FRP launches broad conversations and collaborations across BU around quantum science and engineering. Learn more here.
The Data and Misinformation in an Era of Sustainability and Climate Change Crises FRP aims to understand the nature, origins, spread, impacts, and possibilities of disarming disinformation about the climate issue in an effort to address the climate crisis. Learn more about this joint FRP with the Institute for Global Sustainability on their website.
The Predicting and Preventing Epidemic to Pandemic Transitions FRP, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy and the required science base for predicting and preventing future pandemics. Learn more here.
FY22 FRPs
The Simulation Modeling for Population Health FRP addresses the key challenges in applying simulation modeling to population health. Learn more here.
The Continuous Analysis of Mobile Health Data among Medically Vulnerable Populations FRP leverages mobile health data to develop medical models. Learn more here.
FY21 FRPs
The Machine Learning for Chemistry and Materials Science FRP seeks to advance the design and synthesis of small molecules and materials through machine learning. Learn more here.
The Leveraging AI to Examine Disparities and Bias in Health Care FRP explores the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. Learn more here.
Are you a BU faculty member with an idea for a future FRP? Learn more about the application process by clicking here.