Appointment of John Byers as Executive Director of AIDA

From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer

I’m very pleased to announce that Professor John Byers has been appointed as the executive director of Boston University’s Artificial Intelligence Development Accelerator for Academic and Administrative Excellence (AIDA) and AI advisor to the provost, effective November 1.

Byers is a professor of computer science in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), a former senior associate dean of the faculty for mathematical and computational sciences, and previously served as AIDA co-director for AI in academics. He also brings more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience as founding chief scientist and director at the technology incubator Cogo Labs (now Link Studio), where he helped develop data-driven methods and AI technologies that powered multiple successful startup ventures. His leadership and deep expertise in artificial intelligence and computing position him well to collaborate with University leaders and faculty in shaping BU’s approach to generative AI. As he continues his teaching and research with CAS, he will also bring valuable insights from the classroom and lab into his leadership of AIDA.

AIDA is designed to catalyze the development, adoption, and governance of artificial intelligence at Boston University. It fosters a comprehensive and coordinated approach to integrating AI across all facets of the University’s mission; advancing AI literacy and competence among students, faculty, and staff; and promoting academic and administrative excellence through the strategic use of AI technologies.

In his role as executive director, Professor Byers will oversee the incorporation of generative AI into the University’s academic and administrative environment to elevate the educational and experiential excellence of our students, faculty, and staff. His role as AI advisor to the provost ensures that the Office of the Provost, in tandem with AIDA, helps schools and colleges prepare their graduates for a workforce that will need to be fluent in generative AI.

This role will serve as an important complement to BU’s multi-dimensional approach for advancing AI, which includes academic degree enhancements overseen by the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS); the use of AI for research in a variety of societal areas, driven by the Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering as well as CDS and several other research centers across the University; and the efforts of the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning to support the use and discussion of AI in the classroom.

I would like to personally thank Ken Lutchen, who previously served as interim executive director of AIDA and has now transitioned into the role as vice president and associate provost in the Office of Research. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in building the foundation for AIDA’s success.

Please join me in congratulating Professor Byers on his new role and in supporting AIDA’s continued efforts to position Boston University as a leader in the thoughtful and strategic integration of artificial intelligence across our academic and administrative enterprises.

Appointment of John Byers as Executive Director of AIDA – 10.30.25