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While some schools regret how ChatGPT and A.I. infiltrated education, this top university is putting out the welcome mat with a major investment

August 22, 2023 at 10:25 PM UTC
An image of Johns Hopkins University over a blue background with a repeated dark blue rectangle getting smaller toward the center.
Photo illustration by Fortune; Original photo by Getty Images

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tech world. As everyday use of A.I. grows beyond tools like ChatGPT, it has the potential to boost global GDP by 7% over the next decade as it exposes 300 million full-time jobs to the realm of automation, according to research from Goldman Sachs

With the rapid raise in A.I. accessibility having the potential to completely turn fields like marketing, finance, and retail on their head, schools across the country are stocking up on new faculty and catering to demand with new programs.

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At Johns Hopkins University, this change in the tech landscape is being met with major investment—through the launch of a new institute in data science and translation.

The institute, dedicated to the study of data, machine learning, and A.I. systems, is set to bring over 100 faculty to the university—with a majority housed within the school of engineering. An emphasis, though, is being placed on discovery across disciplines such as public health, national security, and the humanities. 

Current state of A.I.

A.I. is quickly evolving from a novel digital tool into a technology with impacts on myriad aspects of everyday life.

“These developments are really going to impact everything that humans do, how they do them, how we think about them,” says K.T. Ramesh, interim co-director of the institute and mechanical engineering professor. “That’s really important, and for us as an institution, to provide guidance on what are the directions that are most positive for humanity.”

For some students, A.I. tools have already become a part of their everyday learning—or in some cases, lack thereof. It can write essays, answer math problems, and solve chemistry equations, in a matter of seconds—to the dismay and occasional demise of tutoring and academic support businesses like Chegg.

But as A.I. becomes more integrated into society, Ramesh says opportunities for the enhancement of human capacity are massive.

Educating the next generation

Johns Hopkins has already shown its commitment to studying A.I. and data science with several existing initiatives, like its Institute for Assured Autonomy, which studies the safe integration of A.I. into society, and its AI-X Foundry, which focuses on human-A.I. collaboration. Plus, the university is one of just a few schools, including Duke and Northwestern, that already offer advanced degrees in A.I.

Every student who comes to Hopkins will get exposure in the A.I. and data science space moving forward. It is important for all to understand how their fields will evolve, Ramesh adds.

Even though A.I. has the power to benefit society for the better—through research developments such as cancer detection or climate resilience, concerns over A.I. ethics and autonomy still exist, especially with a lack of governmental regulation.

But as Rama Chellappa, professor and interim co-director of new Johns Hopkins institute notes, the future should be focused on A.I. working alongside humans—not versus.

“We are going to be driven by science,” Chellappa tells Fortune. “And, we are going to be driven by what A.I. can do for good.”

That’s why the cross disciplinary focus is important for Johns Hopkins, which emphasizes the transparency and A.I.’s human impacts.  

“So, you’re not just thinking about what can you do, but what should you do? And why you should do it and what are the consequences?” Ramesh says. “Building some of these thoughts about transparency and equity and handling—think of the consequences of what you do and building those early into your development—that’s really important.”

Ramesh and Chellappa each told Fortune separately of their desire for A.I. research to help inform policy with humanity and ethical viewpoints at the forefront.

How will A.I. affect the job market?

Over half of U.S. adults believe that A.I. tools like ChatGPT will decrease jobs across the country, according to a survey conducted by YouGov

But some industries have already seen seasoned workers challenged. In the month of May alone, it is estimated that nearly 4,000 workers were displaced. 

Many copywriters, for example, have lost their jobs across the country, and data entry and clerical positions are among the top roles that are likely to see declines due to A.I., according to the World Economic Forum.

While it is possible more jobs are displaced by A.I., Chellappa says there are many opportunities for retooling and retraining—which could even lead to higher salaries for some workers.

“People are getting jobs—very much so,” Chellappa says. “I think we have just scratched the surface when it comes to A.I. in non-traditional areas.”

For instance, the job outlook for computer and information research scientists, which includes those trained in machine learning and data science, is growing much faster than the national average for all occupations. How fast? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the growth rate at 21%, with a median base salary of $131,490 per year. 

The National Science Foundation has provided nearly half a billion dollars in funding to establish National Artificial Intelligence Research Centers at universities across the country to study A.I. across fields, such as agriculture, education, and cybersecurity. 

What is a future with A.I.?

Chellappa—who has been studying A.I. for over four decades—says in the coming years, he would not be surprised to see A.I. working in patient rooms with doctors similar to a physician’s assistant, for example.

“As humans, we’re going to be living in an A.I. environment in some sense—that evolves as we evolve and that changes as it learns from us,” Ramesh says, noting that people will change as they use and work with A.I. as well. 

It’s crucial for educators to focus on depth and breadth in learning and decision-making, he adds.

“It’s not just going after doing something shiny and new,” Ramesh says. “It’s building it right all the way through.”

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About the Contributors

Preston Fore
By Preston ForeStaff Writer, Education

Preston Fore is a reporter at Fortune, covering education and personal finance for the Success team.

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Jasmine Suarez
Reviewed By Jasmine SuarezSenior Staff Editor

Jasmine Suarez was a senior editor at Fortune where she leads coverage for careers, education and finance. In the past, she’s worked for Business Insider, Adweek, Red Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more. 

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