CATS AI The Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy A strategic framework for responsible, human-centered innovation in education, research, service and care.

Advancing Kentucky's AI Future

The Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) is the University of Kentucky’s comprehensive framework for advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, research, health care and operations. Led by an institution-wide council of academic, research, healthcare and administrative leaders, CATS AI connects, coordinates and amplifies AI initiatives across UK’s 17 colleges, libraries, UK HealthCare, research centers and institutes.

Among other goals, the strategy aims to expand AI literacy, creativity and access for students, faculty and staff; accelerate research and discovery through early-access tools and new computing resources; and leverage AI to enhance patient care, operational efficiency and community impact. An investment in the future of the Commonwealth, CATS AI operates as an initiative of the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network, connecting UK with partners statewide to position the Commonwealth as a national leader in AI adoption and innovation.

Our Vision and Approach

Structure and Leadership

Coordinated vision, shared accountability: CATS AI connects leaders across all 17 colleges, libraries, research centers and UK HealthCare to align strategy, resources and governance. Through coordinated leadership and strong data stewardship, the university will ensure AI adoption is transparent, secure and effective across every mission area.

Democratized Access

Tools and training for everyone: CATS AI will expand access to powerful AI models, applications and learning resources through the CATS AI sandbox — a personal hub where approved tools will be available to students, faculty, staff and clinicians. The goal is simple: make innovation accessible to every member of the UK community.

Education and Upskilling

Building an AI-ready community: AI learning will be embedded in every corner of campus life — from UK courses to faculty training, professional development and certifications. The CATS AI Learn Hub empowers students and employees to learn, teach and apply AI responsibly in ways that enhance learning, creativity and discovery.

Research and Innovation

Accelerating the pace and possibilities of research: By connecting data scientists, other research faculty and research centers to new AI-enabled discovery platforms, AI training, and computing infrastructure, CATS AI drives innovation across disciplines. The strategy supports new research capabilities, internal award opportunities and early-access to tools — turning ideas into solutions that advance knowledge and impact for the Commonwealth.

Health and Service

Advancing care through intelligence: Through collaboration with UK HealthCare, CATS AI applies AI tools to improve clinical decisions, patient outcomes and system efficiency. This work supports Kentucky’s health and well-being while demonstrating how AI can serve people, not replace them, in the delivery of compassionate care.

Responsible Adoption

Innovation with integrity: CATS AI balances innovation with risk management through governance frameworks, ethical guidelines and value assessments. The goal is not just to use AI but to demystify it — making the technology understandable, trustworthy and human-centered.

Organizational chart of the CATS AI leadership council.

AI Across Campus

There are a number of initiatives already developed (such as UK ADVANCE , AI/ML Hub and Center for Applied AI) — CATS AI will connect and amplify existing efforts.

Two men in white lab coats looking at a computer.

ADVANCE Team

Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence

AI/ML Hub

New AI Course and Certificate

three students studying at a table with their laptops

UK TEK 100

UK is offering a 100-level, one-credit-hour course — TransdisciplinaryEducational Approaches to Advance Kentucky (TEK 100): Collaborative Intelligence — Understanding and Using Modern AI.

This rolling, asynchronous course will be offered twice during the Spring 2026 semester, to create multiple opportunities for students to fit this in their schedule. This course will run from Jan. 12 through March 2, and from March 9 through May 8.

Students listening to a lecture in classroom

Undergraduate Certificate in AI

An undergraduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence is perfect for students interested in developing cutting-edge technologies and solving complex problems using machine learning, data analysis and AI algorithms. It opens doors to careers in tech companies, research institutions and industries such as robotics, healthcare, finance and autonomous systems, where AI expertise is increasingly in demand.

Subcommittees

AI Research
Brings together data scientists, researchers and domain experts focused on advancing AI technology and its applications. Members identify research needs, challenges and opportunities that enhance innovation and collaboration across disciplines.

AI Education
Includes faculty, advisors and student success leaders dedicated to integrating AI into teaching and learning. The group focuses on curriculum design, classroom tools, faculty training and opportunities that prepare students and staff to use AI ethically and effectively.

AI Health
Engages UK HealthCare leaders, physicians and operations staff who use AI to improve patient care. The subcommittee explores ways to enhance clinical decision-making, streamline workflows and expand health innovation across Kentucky.

AI Administration
Consists of leaders from HR, procurement, finance, research administration and IT who focus on how AI can improve operations. Members explore process improvements, workflow automation and data-driven efficiencies that strengthen university systems.

AI for Students
Led by the Student Success team and student-facing leaders, this group ensures that students’ experiences and perspectives shape AI adoption. The subcommittee focuses on belonging, learning and career readiness in an AI-enabled world.

University of Kentucky among nation’s 1st institutions to partner with Microsoft on responsible AI innovation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2025) — The University of Kentucky has announced it will collaborate with Microsoft to advance the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen learning, innovation and care across the Commonwealth.

This collaboration reflects what’s possible when innovation is guided by purpose. Microsoft is helping place Kentucky in the lead — not only in terms of early access to powerful tools but in how those tools are applied to solve real challenges with communities.

Eli Capilouto

UK President

FAQs

CATS AI — the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy — is the University of Kentucky’s framework for advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, research, service and care. It connects people, tools and ideas across the university to help Kentucky lead in AI adoption and innovation.

Artificial intelligence is transforming every field. UK created CATS AI to coordinate how the university teaches, researches and applies AI so that innovation happens responsibly and efficiently — and so Kentucky’s people and institutions benefit from the technology’s potential.

CATS AI operates as an initiative of the AKT Network. The university's Board of Trustees charged UK to become the partner institution of choice to advance AI. Through the AKT Network, UK connects with statewide partners in education, health and workforce development to ensure AI advances Kentucky’s shared progress and competitiveness.

CATS AI aims to:

Expand AI literacy and access for students, faculty and staff
Accelerate research and discovery through advanced computing and collaboration
Improve patient care and operational efficiency through AI solutions
Ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically and transparently across the university

UK faculty, staff and students can participate by joining one of five CATS AI subcommittees — AI Research, AI Education, AI Health, AI Administration or AI for Students. Each group helps guide how AI is adopted across campus. You can submit a nomination here.

The CATS AI Nexus is a central hub that will provide access to approved AI tools, models and learning resources. It will allow faculty, staff, students and clinicians to explore and apply AI responsibly through secure, university-supported platforms.

CATS AI ensures every UK student can learn about and work with AI, regardless of major. AI concepts will be integrated into courses and career development programs, preparing graduates to enter an AI-driven workforce with confidence and ethical awareness.

CATS AI integrates risk assessment, data governance and ethical guidelines into every project and tool it supports. The strategy’s focus is on transparency, accountability and keeping people — not just technology — at the center of innovation.

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