A new report from Duke University lays out recommendations for a long-term strategy on artificial intelligence (AI), including investments in faculty hiring, student research, shared data and computing infrastructure, and more formal governance structures to guide how the university uses the technology.
According to the press release, the report was published by the AI at Duke Steering Committee, an interdisciplinary group of Duke faculty and experts working to identify Duke’s priorities around AI and develop critical infrastructure and communities of practice.
The report is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and deliberation.
“As [AI] is transforming in real-time the way universities are educating our students and conducting research, Duke has an opportunity and responsibility to harness the immense potential of AI in ways that improve the human condition,” Provost Alec Gallimore said. He added that the group’s recommendations provide the university “with a crucial vision and direction to ensure Duke leads in advancing AI innovation while strengthening the ethical foundations and core values that define our academic mission.”
The report includes several strategic priorities: faculty hiring in key areas, expanded student research opportunities, shared data and computing infrastructure, and formal institutional structures to support responsible AI governance and implementation.
Officials explained that those priorities reflect Duke’s strategic needs and opportunities:
- Research: Strengthening institutional capacity in foundational, translational, and human-centered AI, while advancing AI’s trustworthy and responsible use
- Education and Workforce Development: Expanding AI education, curriculum development, and experiential learning pathways to prepare students, faculty, and staff for technological transformation
- Communications and Thought Leadership: Developing a strong institutional identity around AI and elevating the university as a trusted leader in conversations about the future of AI
- Governance and Culture: Establishing durable and responsible AI governance frameworks to guide the ethical use of AI across research, teaching, and university operations
- Infrastructure: Building the technical and human systems needed to enable AI research and innovation at scale
- Sustainability and Societal Impact: Aligning AI advancement with Duke’s commitments to environmental sustainability and social responsibility
Duke has made the executive summary public, but a Duke Net ID is required to download the full report. The university did not specify a funding amount or implementation timeline in the release.
