AIAN – The AI Activation Network working group – is a university-wide initiative focused on building a dynamic network to connect researchers using and developing AI systems both within Columbia University and with an external community.

Conceived as a “centerless center,” AIAN’s mission is to spark and support new collaborative projects that combine AI with various research and creative practices across campus and beyond.

AIAN is not a formal center; rather, it provides essential infrastructure to surface emerging research directions, foster collaboration, and share outcomes.

By catalyzing introductions, student seed funding, convenings, and publications, AIAN offers everything a typical center would—but remains able to adapt to the unique personalities, goals, and research interests of its participants at any given time.