In education news, the University of Kentucky is partnering with Microsoft to collaborate on advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

UK is one of the first institutions in the country to partner with Microsoft this way.

Our Mackenzie Spink tells us more.

University of Kentucky researchers will have access to powerful new AI tools through this partnership with Microsoft.

UK says the potential for innovation in rural health is one of the reasons Microsoft chose Kentucky for this partnership.

For example, just take take medicine.

The pace of drug discovery, as we know, is a really long one.

I mean, we're talking 10 to 20 years, right?

To get through the process of molecule identification, mechanism of action, clinical testing.

All of that work, right?

The amount of data it takes to produce and to analyze that now we can do in such an expedited manner with AI.

The new tech isn't just for the researchers at the school.

Students will also have the opportunity to work with powerful Microsoft technologies.

I'm also incredibly just excited to think about students and how they get to have a part of something that will be a resource that will not just be the freemium version, but will be maybe a little bit more in depth as it relates to the models that they'll have access to and the tools that they can leverage.

One of the big things will be, students being ready for jobs, and feeling like they were, equipped with, a level of understanding and, fundamentals and an awareness of AI ethics, those kinds of things as they roll into the real world.

The university says it recognizes that AI is a powerful and controversial tool.

Faculty have already voiced some concerns.

A lot of our faculty are very concerned about this.

For.

For good reason.

We recognize those concerns, and we're doing our best to address them.

What we do know is that if we don't understand this technology, it will not help us in addressing those concerns.

So the more we understand this tech through this partnership and other partnerships like it, the better we can address those concerns and be on the forefront of instead of behind it.

This technology is undoubtedly transformational.

What weighs human beings will make it transformational in positive ways.

I think universities are distinctively positioned to in our care for the state we represent in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

To play the right role and have the right discipline to bring resources to the table, because we know there's a lot of work in front.

But if we wait until we feel like we have all the answers, we missed the opportunity to create discussion and dialog.

I hope that above all that, Kentucky can look back and say we were ready.

We were prepared.

And we were resourced.

Microsoft is becoming a partner in the advancing Kentucky Together Network, a statewide network that connects UC's research with partners to work together on creating opportunities and improvements in the state.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm Mackenzie Spink.

Thank you.

Mackenzie.

The university will be providing an AI Learn Hub to provide training and professional development on AI for faculty, staff, and students.