Research in AI, Arts, Frontiers and Thought

The Research in AI, Arts, Frontiers and Thought (RAAFT) group formally the College of Liberal Arts Data Science Initiative (CLA-DSI) champions innovative, interdisciplinary research and teaching grounded in data science. As a hub for coordination and collaboration, RAAFT supports data science activity across the College and partners with other university units to amplify impact. We encourage our community to approach data science as one might the humanities or engineering as a dynamic collection of disciplines united by a shared mission to advance knowledge and address real-world challenges.

Rooted in the liberal arts, RAAFT not only embraces the power of data-driven discovery, but also prioritizes critical inquiry into the ethical implications and cultural biases embedded in data, algorithms, and tools. Our goal is to prepare and empower researchers and students to tackle society’s most urgent issues with a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the public good.

RAAFT is proud to be a founding partner in the University of Minnesota’s new Data Science and AI Hub (DSAI)—a bold, cross-campus initiative that unites the University’s full range of expertise in data science and AI. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver on our mission by expanding access to shared infrastructure, interdisciplinary resources, and a statewide network of collaborators dedicated to responsible, community-serving innovation.

See the RAAFT Directory