Meet the AI Hub’s new Director of Research: James C. Wilgenbusch

The University of Minnesota has long been a leader in computational research, high-performance computing, and interdisciplinary discovery. As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important driver of research and innovation, the AI Hub is expanding its leadership to strengthen collaboration and accelerate AI-enabled research across the University and beyond.

James C. Wilgenbusch has been named Director of Research for the AI Hub, where he will lead the Hub's research pillar and help advance AI research, partnerships, and infrastructure that support discovery across disciplines.

As Director of Research, Wilgenbusch will help guide the AI Hub's research strategy, strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, identify new partnership opportunities, and support researchers in responsibly integrating AI into their work. He will also help connect faculty with resources that foster innovation and position the University as a national leader in AI research. By bringing together expertise from across colleges, campuses, and sectors, the research pillar will help create an environment where AI can accelerate discovery while advancing ethical, transparent, and impactful research practices.

"The University of Minnesota is already home to extraordinary AI innovation, and I am excited to help elevate and champion this work on a larger scale. I see our research pillar serving as a catalyst for connection, uniting promising new researchers with established experts across our diverse campuses and disciplines to unlock the full potential of AI."