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Thought Summits

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Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society

Cornell AI Initiative

Thought Summits @ Cornell

Shaping the Future of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Thought Summits are dynamic forums hosted at Cornell University that bring together leaders and innovators to spark innovative collaborations in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Upcoming Summits

  • Data Science to Build Resilience and Improve Humanitarian Response

    May 11, 2026 - May 15, 2026 at Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

    By connecting philanthropies and the private sector with Cornell expertise across computer, information, natural and social sciences, the summit aims to spark new research, collaborations, and funding pathways that bring cutting-edge data tools into real-world humanitarian decision-making.

  • Community-Centered AI

    May 18, 2026 - May 20, 2026 at Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

    Bringing together researchers, practitioners, and community members, the three-day convening will tackle AI's core problem – its massive carbon footprint, displacement of local expertise, and violations of community consent – through collaborative workshops, participatory algorithm auditing, and solution-generating discussions.

  • Building Benchmarks for AI-Driven Veterinary Innovation

    June 9, 2026 - June 11, 2026 at Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

    This summit will bring together experts from veterinary medicine, computer science, ethics, and law to tackle the unique challenges of creating standardized, high-quality datasets tailored to veterinary needs.

Past Summits Archive

Previous Summits

  • Everyday Sensing and AI for Mental Health Care: Navigating a Tipping Point

    June 16 - June 20

    This Thought Summit brings together leading experts and thought leaders from academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial world to envision and help create the future of everyday AI and mental health.

  • LLMs And Society

    May 19 - May 21

    The 3-day thought summit will explore, analyze, and chart the future of LLMs and their integration into high-stakes settings in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The summit will bring together experts, researchers, and thought leaders from diverse fields, who will delve into the implications and applications of LLMs for discovery, decision support, and creativity in diverse domains and geographies.

  • The Future of Survey Science

    September 22, 2024 - September 25, 2024

    This Thought Summit brings together experts in survey research with connections to large NSF-funded surveys, data science, and AI. Our goal is to identify strategies and infrastructure to support the most accurate and cost-effective surveys.

Summits Archive

Each summit is a fully funded, 3–5 day symposium held on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. A select group of Cornell faculty convenes with approximately 20 distinguished experts from academia, government, industry, and non-profit sectors.

Together, they explore bold ideas, identify emerging research frontiers, and lay the groundwork for transformative, multi-institutional partnerships.

Why Thought Summits Matter

Catalyzing Innovation

By uniting diverse perspectives, Thought Summits uncover novel intersections between AI, Data Science, and real-world challenges.

Driving Impact

Each summit produces a strategic whitepaper that serves as a launchpad for large-scale, externally funded research initiatives.

Building Community

These gatherings foster lasting relationships across institutions and sectors, accelerating the pace of discovery and application.

News & Information

Thought Summits for the 2025-2026 academic year have been reviewed, awarded, and scheduled. Thank you to all who submitted proposals.

The next call for proposals will be in March, 2026. Check back here for more details as the time approaches.

Summit Outcomes

The Thought Summits convene visionary leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore the frontiers of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. We have gathered the key outcomes of these gatherings — white papers and strategic insights that capture the collective expertise and forward-thinking solutions generated during the summits.

See Outcomes

Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or industry leader, Thought Summits offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of intelligent systems and data-driven solutions

Want to get involved?

Ready to chart the future? All Cornell University faculty are invited to apply. The next call for proposals will open in March 2026.

CFP Details