Institute – SkAI

SkAI research is anchored in three cross-disciplinary pillars addressing Astro-AI challenges that bridge data, models, and experiments. Interdisciplinary teams spanning three astrophysics areas and three foundational AI areas will coalesce around these pillars.

Astro-AI Pillars:

• Enhanced Inference from Cosmic Survey Data

• AI-Accelerated Simulations with Multi-Scale Astrophysics

• Learning-Based Astrophysical Survey and Instrument Design

Most of our research projects naturally bridge multiple pillars, and each pillar intentionally couples foundational AI and astrophysics through data, models, and experiments. SkAI’s research encompasses both higher-risk, ambitious work advancing the forefront of AI and some lower-risk steps that will still advance astronomy in the short term. Innovation in each pillar also drives our open-source software development for use and adaptation throughout the astronomy community and beyond. These SkAI pillars will also catalyze our education work and community engagement while strengthening workforce development and broadening participation at all levels.