{"id":22425,"date":"2020-12-22T15:54:41","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T20:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/?page_id=22425"},"modified":"2026-05-28T09:31:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T13:31:24","slug":"focused-research-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Focused Research Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview<\/h3>\n<p><span>Hariri Institute catalyzes convergent research and innovation through its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/how-to-get-involved\/for-faculty\/focused-research-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Focused Research Programs (FRPs)<\/a>, which provide seed funding for faculty-driven efforts in multi-disciplinary teams to coalesce in sustainable ways. The mission is to evolve and advance discoveries and innovations in computing and AI, with the goal of accelerating research that leads to future funding and broad impact. Learn about these research programs below.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">FRP-related News<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/2025\/05\/20\/the-heat-divide-mapping-americas-unequal-burden-of-heat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Heat Divide: Mapping America&#8217;s Unequal Burden of Heat<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/2025\/04\/07\/shaking-things-up-how-bu-researchers-are-driving-earthquake-understanding-through-artificial-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AI Helps BU Scientists Decode Earthquakes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/igs\/research\/projects\/climate-disinformation-initiative\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How Communication Shapes Public Opinion on Climate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/2024\/08\/21\/bu-wins-3-million-nsf-nrt-grant-energy-and-computational-research-hariri-igs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FRP Faculty Win $3 Million For Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">FY27 FRPs<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-40749\" width=\"263\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/DePasquale-Image.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>AI for Characterizing and Designing Biomolecular Interactions FRP<\/strong><br \/>\n<span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This FRP aims to establish BU as a leader in the application and interpretation of biological foundation models for biomedical research by pursuing two cross-cutting scientific goals\u2014developing principled fine-tuning strategies for adapting foundation models to new biochemical problems and building interpretability tools that reveal what these models encode about biomolecular interactions\u2014executed across three complementary interaction regimes that together enable cross-domain comparison no single-domain project could achieve<\/span>. <strong>Sponsor<\/strong>: Boston University&#8217;s Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/ai-for-characterizing-and-designing-biomolecular-interactions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about this FRP<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40750 alignleft\" width=\"263\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/SegreImage.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span><strong>AI-enhanced Biophysical Genome-scale Modeling of Cancer<\/strong> FRP<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><span><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This program aims to develop a computational \u201cdigital twin\u201d of tumors by integrating genome-scale metabolism, spatial growth dynamics, and AI-driven regulatory modeling to predict cancer behavior and therapeutic targets. Its interdisciplinary approach, combining computational modeling, experimental validation, and machine learning, is essential for accurately capturing the complex, heterogeneous interactions within tumor microenvironments.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span><strong>Sponsor<\/strong>: Boston University&#8217;s Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/ai-enhanced-biophysical-genome-scale-modeling-of-cancer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about this FRP<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-40751\" width=\"263\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/Howe-Image.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Multi-Scale Neuro-AI for Striatal Learning: Machine Learning, Voltage Imaging, and Safe Perturbation Design FRP<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This FRP will build a BU Neuro-AI community around multi-scale striatal learning by integrating neuromodulator recordings, voltage imaging, machine learning, and reinforcement-learning theory. Collaboration is essential because no single lab spans the measurement, modeling, and causal-testing capabilities needed to connect DA\/ACh dynamics to interpretable learning rules and experimentally test them.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span><strong>Sponsor<\/strong>: Boston University&#8217;s Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/multi-scale-neuro-ai-for-striatal-learning-machine-learning-voltage-imaging-and-safe-perturbation-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about this FRP<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-40752\" width=\"263\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2026\/05\/AndersenImage.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Redefining Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer\u2019s Disease through Next-generation Digital Cognitive Biomarkers FRP<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of this FRP is to establish BU as a global leader in the development of digital biomarkers of cognition that detect early cognitive decline and differentiate average cognitive aging from changes due to Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related disorders by bringing together expertise in aging, neuropsychology, linguistics, biostatistics, engineering, data science, AI\/ML, and computational methods. <\/span><\/strong>This Special Track Health Data Science FRP is co-sponsored by the Boston University <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/healthdatascience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">School of Public Health Center for Health Data Science<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ctsi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clinical and Translational Science Institute<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/evanscenteribr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/digital-health-initiative-dhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital Health Initiative at Hariri Institute<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0<strong><\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/redefining-cognitive-aging-and-alzheimers-disease-through-next-generation-digital-cognitive-biomarkers-frp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about this FRP<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Explore previous FRPs below<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Algorithms<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/ML-and-AI-2-636x333.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25415 alignleft\" width=\"287\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/ML-and-AI-2-636x333.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/ML-and-AI-2-1024x536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/ML-and-AI-2-768x402.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/ML-and-AI-2.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><\/span><strong>Teaching Machines Human-Like Intelligence (FY23 FRP)<\/strong> aimed to create convergence around foundational research in artificial intelligence (AI) at BU<span>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/teaching-machines-human-like-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more. <\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre-636x363.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32996 alignleft\" width=\"281\" height=\"160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre-636x363.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre-1024x585.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre-768x439.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre-1536x878.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.20.57-A-detailed-image-of-an-earthquake-in-a-rural-setting-with-visible-ground-fractures-and-upturned-earth-in-a-natural-landscape-fully-filling-a-widescre.jpeg 1792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><b>AI for Understanding Earthquakes (FY25 FRP)<\/b><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><span>This FRP aims to apply apply artificial intelligence (AI) to improve our understanding of earthquakes, including exploring optimal deep learning architectures for seismic data; investigating use of video-surveillance infrastructure as an alternative to costly Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems; and employing machine learning to advance our understanding of earthquakes. This FRP also led to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/awardsearch\/showAward?AWD_ID=2425715\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$750K NSF grant<\/a> to further explore using artificial intelligence to understand earthquakes. Sponsor: Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/ai-for-understanding-earthquakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-636x356.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32866 alignleft\" width=\"280\" height=\"157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-636x356.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-1024x574.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-768x430.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-1536x861.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_714297237-2048x1148.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><strong><span>Privacy Preserving Energy Analytics for Data Centers (FY 25 FRP)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><span>This FRP aims to demonstrate, for the first time, that large-scale computer systems will achieve cost reduction and energy efficiency improvements via a novel privacy-preserving, collaborative, and scalable analytics and optimization framework<\/span>. <span>Sponsors: Hariri Institute for Computing and the Center for Reliable Information Systems &amp; Cyber Security (RISCS).<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/privacy-preserving-energy-analytics-for-data-centers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/ML-FRP-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\" wp-image-22134 alignleft\" width=\"286\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/ML-FRP-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/ML-FRP.png 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 286px) 100vw, 286px\" \/><strong>Machine Learning for Chemistry and Materials Science (FY21 FRP)<\/strong> <span>seeks to advance the design and synthesis of small molecules and materials through machine learning. An outcome of this work was securing a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/2024\/08\/21\/bu-wins-3-million-nsf-nrt-grant-energy-and-computational-research-hariri-igs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$3 million NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) grant<\/a> to advance convergent research in sustainable energy conversion and storage.  <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/machine-learning-for-chemistry-material-science-focused-research-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Autonomous Systems<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-636x424.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32870 alignleft\" width=\"281\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-636x424.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_618222312-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>From Self-Driving Labs to Community-Driven Labs (FY25 FRP)<br \/>\n<\/strong><span>This FRP aims to develop the digital infrastructure and basic science to transform Self-Driving Labs (SDLs) into community-driven laboratories. Sponsor: Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/from-self-driving-labs-to-community-driven-labs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<strong><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-9.38.25-AM-636x497.png\" alt=\"\" class=\" wp-image-27850 alignleft\" width=\"262\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-9.38.25-AM-636x497.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-9.38.25-AM-768x600.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-9.38.25-AM.png 888w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px\" \/><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Optimal Bio-Inspired Design of Holistic Rehabilitation Systems <span><b>(FY24 FRP)<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong><span>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/optimal-bio-inspired-design-of-holistic-rehabilitation-systems-frp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more.<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Biomedicine, Healthcare &amp; Public Health<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/AI-body.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37492 size-full alignleft\" width=\"280\" height=\"171\" \/> <strong>AI-PRISM (Artificial Intelligence for Precision Recommendations and Integrated Scoring in Medicine) (FY26 FRP)<br \/>\n<\/strong><span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This FRP aims to apply AI and machine learning to clinical care applications to (1) optimize prescriptions for hypertension and (2) compute NIH Stroke Scales from unstructured clinical notes, emphasizing safety, robustness, &amp; explainability. <\/span><\/span><strong>Sponsors:<\/strong> <span>Boston University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/research\/centers-and-groups\/health-data-science-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Public Health <\/a><\/span>Center for Health Data Science<span>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ctsi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clinical and Translational Science Institute<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/evanscenteribr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/digital-health-initiative-dhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital Health Initiative<\/a> at the Hariri Institute for Computing. <\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/ai-prism-artificial-intelligence-for-precision-recommendations-and-integrated-scoring-in-medicine-frp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung-636x390.png\" alt=\"By prapatsorn\/Adobe\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-37489\" width=\"280\" height=\"171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung-636x390.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung-1024x627.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung-768x470.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung-1536x941.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/lung.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><strong>AI-driven Accurate Detection Strategies for Aggressive Early-stage Lung Adenocarcinoma (FY26 FRP)<\/strong> <span>This FRP aims to <\/span><span>develop a biomarker that can predict microscopic VI in both lung resection tissues and pre-surgical biopsies using digitized hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stained slides, which are part of the standard pathology workflow. <strong>Sponsor<\/strong>: Boston University&#8217;s Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/ai-driven-accurate-detection-strategies-for-aggressive-early-stage-lung-adenocarcinoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The-636x363.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32998 alignleft\" width=\"282\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The-636x363.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The-1024x585.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The-768x439.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The-1536x878.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-05-14-09.24.59-A-modern-hospital-research-room-without-any-textual-overlays-featuring-a-clean-design-with-a-breast-cancer-scan-displayed-on-a-prominent-monitor.-The.jpeg 1792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px\" \/> <b>Enhancing Models for Breast Cancer Risk Prediction and Bias Mitigation through Clinician AI Collaboration (FY25 FRP)<\/b><br \/>\n<\/strong><span>This FRP aims to identify the hidden sources of biological and demographic biases of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast cancer risk prediction based on mammography images. Co-Sponsors: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/research\/centers-and-groups\/population-health-data-science-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Public Health Population Health Data Science Program<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ctsi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clinical and Translational Science Institute<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/evanscenteribr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/digital-health-initiative-dhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital Health Initiative<\/a> at the Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/enhancing-models-for-breast-cancer-risk-prediction-and-bias-mitigation-through-clinician-ai-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<strong><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-636x356.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32867 alignleft\" width=\"282\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-636x356.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-1024x574.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-768x430.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-1536x861.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_733218950-2048x1148.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px\" \/>Multimodal Transformer Architectures for Neuropathology Study of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (FY25 FRP)<br \/>\n<\/strong><span>This FRP aims to improve premortem diagnosis of neuropathologic processes underlying cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and dementia) utilizing a machine learning approach. <\/span>Co-Sponsors:<span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/research\/centers-and-groups\/population-health-data-science-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Public Health Population Health Data Science Program<\/a><\/span>, the<span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ctsi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clinical and Translational Science Institute<\/a>, the<span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/evanscenteribr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research<\/a>, and the<span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/digital-health-initiative-dhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital Health Initiative<\/a><span> <\/span>at the Hariri Institute for Computing. <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/multimodal-transformer-architectures-for-neuropathology-study-of-alzheimers-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-636x424.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-27854\" width=\"245\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-636x424.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/AdobeStock_172813720-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 245px) 100vw, 245px\" \/><b>Novel data science and AI approaches for Brain Health and Brain Disease (FY24 FRP)<\/b><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/digital-health-initiative-dhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Digital Health Initiative (DHI) Special Track<\/a>: 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 <span>cosponsored by the Hariri Institute, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Public Health<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ctsi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clinical &amp; Translational Science Institute (CTSI)<\/a>. <\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/novel-data-science-and-ai-approaches-for-brain-health-and-brain-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-636x425.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25795\" width=\"286\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-636x425.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2022\/08\/covid-4948866-2048x1370.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 286px) 100vw, 286px\" \/>The <strong>Predicting and Preventing Epidemic to Pandemic Transitions (FY23 FRP)<\/strong>, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy and the required science base for predicting and preventing future pandemics. An outcome of this work was the launch of the <span> Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ceid\/projects-partnerships\/beacon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BEACON<\/a>)<\/span>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/predicting-and-preventing-epidemic-to-pandemic-transitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more here<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/health-636x369.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23578 alignleft\" width=\"287\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/health-636x369.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/health.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><strong>Continuous Analysis of Mobile Health Data among Medically Vulnerable Populations<\/strong><\/span><strong> (FY22 FRP) <\/strong><span>leverages mobile health data to develop medical models. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/continuous-analysis-of-mobile-health-data-among-medically-vulnerable-populations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101-636x395.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23572 alignleft\" width=\"285\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101-636x395.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101-1024x636.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101-1536x953.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2021\/05\/population-e1620330403101.jpg 1972w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 285px) 100vw, 285px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span>The<\/span><strong> Simulation Modeling for Population Health (FY22 FRP)<\/strong> <span>addresses the key challenges in applying simulation modeling to population health<\/span><span>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/simulation-modeling-for-population-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/AI-FRP-636x358.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-22136\" width=\"287\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/AI-FRP-636x358.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/AI-FRP-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2020\/12\/AI-FRP.png 775w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><\/span><strong>Leveraging AI to Examine Disparities and Bias in Health Care (FY21 FRP)<\/strong><span> explores the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/leveraging-ai-to-examine-disparities-and-bias-in-health-care-focused-research-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more here<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Climate &amp; Environmental Resilience<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2025\/05\/flooding.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37511 size-full alignleft\" width=\"280\" height=\"171\" \/> <strong><span>Environmental Forecasting: From Computational Tools to Scientific Insight (FY26 FRP) <\/span><\/strong><span><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The goal of this FRP is to lay foundations to make BU a global leader in the convergent area of environmental forecasting (EF) by bringing together our expertise across computer science, statistics, data science, ML\/AI, biology, and ecology.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><span> <\/span><span><strong>Sponsor<\/strong>: Boston University&#8217;s Hariri Institute for Computing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/environmental-forecasting-from-computational-tools-to-scientific-insight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more.<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/climate-chgange-AdobeStock_458944212-Converted.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27851 alignleft\" width=\"262\" height=\"174\" \/><strong>Health Equity in the Wake of Continued Climate Change: Leveraging Big Data to Inform Action <span><b>(FY24 FRP)<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong><span><\/span>The goal of this FRP <span>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/igs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Institute of Global Sustainability (IGS)<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/health-equity-in-the-wake-of-continued-climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/span><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2022\/04\/istockphoto-1097731282-612x612-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25436 alignleft\" width=\"287\" height=\"230\" \/><strong>Data and Misinformation in an Era of Sustainability and Climate Change Crises<\/strong> <strong>(FY23 FRP)<\/strong> 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.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/data-and-misinformation-in-an-era-of-sustainability-and-climate-change-crises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Learn more about this joint FRP with the Institute for Global Sustainability here.<\/a><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Computational Natural Sciences<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-636x424.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27852 alignleft\" width=\"253\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-636x424.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/files\/2023\/07\/space-travel-AdobeStock_604845183-2048x1366.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><br \/>\n<strong><span>First Trip to Mars: How to Pack Light (FY24 FRP)<\/span><\/strong> Designed to support NASA\u2019s 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/first-trip-to-mars-how-to-pack-light\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/hic\/files\/2025\/03\/quantum.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"287\" height=\"191\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-35920\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>Quantum Convergence<\/strong><strong> (FY23 FRP)<\/strong> focused on launching broad conversations and collaborations across BU around quantum science and engineering. An outcome of this work was securing a <span>$2.8 million <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/news\/nsf-growing-convergence-research-awards-advance-innovation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NSF Growing Convergence Research award.<\/a> The award<\/span> aims to accelerate the development of trusted, low-overhead tools for computation on hidden data that increases the public\u2019s trust in modern AI tools and creates new opportunities for data-powered, socially responsible innovation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/research\/focused-research-programs\/quantum-convergence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more.<\/a><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/how-to-get-involved\/for-faculty\/focused-research-programs\/\" class=\"button\">Are you a BU faculty member with an idea for a future FRP? Learn more about the application process by clicking here.<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Hariri Institute catalyzes convergent research and innovation through its Focused Research Programs (FRPs), which provide seed funding for faculty-driven efforts in multi-disciplinary teams to coalesce in sustainable ways. The mission is to evolve and advance discoveries and innovations in computing and AI, with the goal of accelerating research that leads to future funding and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8550,"featured_media":0,"parent":2201,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22425"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8550"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22425"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40755,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22425\/revisions\/40755"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}