Ashoka University launches school of advanced computing; to offer AI, data science, interdisciplinary courses

NEW DELHI: Ashoka University has announced the establishment of the Ashoka School of Advanced Computing (ASAC), aimed at integrating computational thinking into various academic disciplines. Ashoka University’s ASAC will focus on research in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

Ashoka University plans to raise Rs 250 crore over the next five years to expand ASAC, fund research, and recruit faculty. The Ashoka University’s advanced computing school will focus on interdisciplinary research in AI, ML, and data science, applying computational methods to fields such as healthcare, climate change, sustainability, and public policy.

Ashoka University: Interdisciplinary academic programmes

ASAC will introduce courses that combine computer science with other disciplines. Ashoka university will offer programmes such as computer science and mathematics, computer science and economics, and computer science and entrepreneurship. Future offerings include courses in cognitive science, AI and Data science, and computer science and biology.

Ashoka University: Centres of Excellence

The school will incorporate several Centres of Excellence to promote research and innovation:

• Centre for Data Science and Analytics (CDSA): Focused on consolidating diverse datasets to support interdisciplinary research.
• SafeExpress Centre for Data, Learning, and Decision Sciences: Developing AI solutions for weather modeling, financial fraud detection, and infectious disease simulations.
• Centre for Digitalisation, AI, and Society: Examining ethical and regulatory aspects of AI in public services.
• Koita Centre for Digital Health (KCDH-A): Advancing research in digital healthcare and genomics.

As per Ashoka University, global advisory board consisting of experts from IITs, ISI, Stanford University, MIT, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania will guide ASAC's growth.

Pramath Sinha, founder and chairman, Board of Trustees of Ashoka University said, “The launch of the Ashoka School of Advanced Computing is a significant step in our commitment to pioneering research and interdisciplinary education. ASAC will not only push the boundaries of computational sciences but will also integrate them with the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to address global challenges of our times. The establishment of ASAC reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation and societal impact in the digital age.”