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Cornell University

Cornell AI4S Initiative

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability

NRT Funding & Applications

The AI4S NRT program invites students from diverse disciplines to join a dynamic community dedicated to advancing AI-driven solutions for global sustainability. We seek trainees who are passionate about interdisciplinary research and education at the intersection of AI and sustainability.

The AI4S NRT program welcomes all Cornell students and visitors to participate in its interdisciplinary training, offering opportunities to engage in courses, seminars, program events, and research collaborations focused on AI and sustainability.

The AI4S NRT program provides three funding support options. To qualify, trainees must be enrolled in one of the 16 participating graduate fields with a CAISI-affiliated thesis advisor, have passed their PhD qualifying exam, and show strong potential in AI and sustainability research.

1. AI4S Stipend-Supported Trainees

  • Support: One full calendar year of stipend, tuition, and health insurance at the Cornell GRA Rate.
  • Eligibility: NRT stipends and support for customary costs of education (tuition and required fees) are limited to U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents, in accordance with NSF guidelines.
  • Funding Review Process: Applications are due by mid-November. A faculty committee evaluates each submission based on academic background, research experience, and fit with program goals, with special emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Final decisions are announced before December.
  • Expectations: Stipend-supported trainees should complete eight credits of AI4S courses within the one-year support period. Successful applicants should have passed their graduate field’s PhD qualifying exam and completed at least 6 credits of graduate-level foundational AI courses, as well as 6 credits of sustainability-related coursework, prior to receiving NRT stipend support.
Suggested Pre-requisite Courses for Stipend-Supported Trainees

Example graduate-level foundational AI courses (e.g., machine learning, data science, or optimization):

  • CS 6241: Numerical Methods for Data Science
  • CS 6784: Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
  • ORIE 6730: Mathematics of Deep Learning
  • SYSEN 6888: Deep Learning

Example sustainability courses (e.g., environmental systems, energy systems, or agricultural sciences):

  • CHEME 6660: Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems
  • CS/INFO 2770: Excursions in Computational Sustainability
  • AEM 4880/ANSC 6880: Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus

2. AI4S Student Project Trainees

3. AI4S Travel Grant Trainees

  • Support: Up to $1,000 in reimbursement to support conference travel expenses.
  • Funding Review Process: Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated to applicants within one month of submission. Priority is given to projects that align closely with CAISI’s research objectives. Applicants who have secured the Graduate School Conference Grant for the same conference trip will have a higher likelihood of receiving this travel grant.
  • Application instructions and online application form.