June 11, 2025 — The University of Memphis School of Public Health (SPH) has been awarded funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of a first-of-its-kind federally funded initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence in public health. UofM is one of only 30 institutions across the U.S. to receive this grant, according to Professor Ricky Leung.
NIH’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) Program for Artificial Intelligence Readiness (PAIR) began in 2021 to support AI readiness among institutions who particularly serve minority communities. The UofM will be awarded a potential $250,000 over a two-phase process, $100,000 for a 12-month period to help with foundational planning, training and infrastructure development and — should key milestones be met — another $150,000 for a second 12-month period to address critical public health challenges, using AI.
“This will support the early-stage development of the University of Memphis AI for Health Research (UofM-AIHR) Lab,” Leung explained. “Activities for this year will include acquiring AI/ML equipment, building collaborative networks, recruiting student researchers and piloting training sessions focused on responsible AI applications in public health.”
“This award positions UofM as a potential leader in the region and gives us the opportunity to serve as a hub that connects academic, public sector and community partners in advancing AI-enabled public health innovation,” Leung said.
UofM is part of the second cohort of AIM-AHEAD PAIR recipients, the first being awarded in 2023-24. Of the 15 in each cohort, only 10 will receive the second installment of $150,000.
Parker King, Assistant Director University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
tpking1@memphis.edu
(O) 901.678.4822
