The AI Enrichment Pivot Grants are for faculty who wish to support their graduate and/or professional students who are seeking to integrate AI into their work to pursue transformative new approaches to their research, scholarship, and creative activities. This program is intended for faculty and students who are not AI researchers but rather seek to explore the benefits of AI in advancing their own activities. All areas of research, scholarship, and creative activities across UC are eligible.

This program followed a two-stage application/evaluation process. The first stage involved submission of a Letter of Intent. Up to ten faculty finalists were then invited to submit full proposals and agree to a 15-minute presentation/Q&A to discuss their proposed activities. Each grant is for up to $10,000.

Congratulations to the inaugural AI Enrichment Pivot Grantees!

Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) for Work Zone Safety: Integrating Crash Narratives and Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) Feeds for Improved Crash Causation Analysis

This project investigates the use of Generative AI (GenAI) to improve safety in roadway work zones by harnessing traditionally underutilized data sources, such as crash narratives. For the first time, GenAI offers the ability to interpret unstructured textual data at scale—enabling new insights into crash causation and contributing factors. This project aims to leverage GenAI and these underutilized data sources to reduce work zone-related crashes, enhancing safety and resilience in urban mobility systems.

A Trained Generative AI Tutor/Peer for Introductory Physics Instruction

This project develops and evaluates Hypatia, an AI-powered learning system designed to provide personalized, judgment-free support that helps students build confidence and deepen understanding in introductory physics. By improving access to high-quality, interactive learning and reducing achievement gaps, Hypatia advances educational equity and supports global efforts to expand opportunity. This work not only enhances student success but also helps prepare a more diverse and skilled STEM workforce for the future.