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Washington University in St. Louis is dedicated to harnessing research, education, and patient care to establish both WashU and St. Louis as global centres for innovative solutions to pressing societal issues. Beverly Wendland, the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, emphasised the profound impact of digital technology on society, noting its transformative potential.
Digital technology, with its data analysis and tracking capabilities, has made previously unthinkable tasks achievable. It can improve and preserve lives, revolutionise industries, and store vast information. The initiative’s objectives hold immense significance, and its potential achievements are anticipated.
The Digital Transformation initiative will have a far-reaching impact on various aspects of WashU life. It will elevate research standards, enhance digital learning experiences for students, and streamline operations across schools and campuses. Furthermore, this initiative will position the university as a frontrunner in tackling technological challenges and capitalising on opportunities, including the implications of big data on public health, the fight against disinformation, and the development of reliable artificial intelligence (AI).
The Digital Transformation initiative includes several signature programmes and priorities. Its institutional home, the Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI2) Accelerator, centralises digital efforts across the Danforth and Medical campuses. It will promote and increase digital activities at WashU via seed funding, special events and interdisciplinary collaborations. Albert Lai, a professor of medicine and chief research information officer, is the deputy faculty lead for Digital Transformation and a key leader for the accelerator.
Collectively, we are committed to enhancing the experiences of students and staff, embracing innovative pedagogical approaches, investing in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, and reforming internal and external procedures,” Lai asserted. “Digital transformation holds the potential to benefit society, particularly through the significant advancements in research made possible by emerging data science technologies and methodologies. We also pledge to disseminate these breakthroughs for the greater good of all.”
Under the DI2 Accelerator programme, the Digital Solutions Studio will extend its reach across various schools and disciplines, fostering stronger connections between individuals and digital resources. This initiative aims to expedite WashU’s research efforts and expand computational capabilities. Additionally, the studio will empower WashU faculty and students to leverage data effectively for the betterment of society. One notable achievement so far is introducing an innovative data visualisation platform for St. Louis.
Developing in collaboration with Arts & Sciences, this platform enables WashU researchers, community members, and local stakeholders to monitor and compare data across diverse categories such as healthcare indicators, election outcomes, and census data.
Professor Betsy Sinclair, from the Department of Political Science in Arts & Sciences, described that the Digital Solutions Studio’s collaborative efforts as one of her most remarkable academic experiences. She highlighted the studio’s ability to understand research objectives and translate them into technological solutions.
Furthermore, the initiative is dedicated to establishing strategic partnerships with key industry players to advance interdisciplinary digital transformation initiatives at WashU. By fostering a vibrant digital community that encompasses events, support for multidisciplinary projects, and targeted faculty recruitment, WashU aims to position itself as a leading force nationally and globally in this field.
Dr Jeffrey Payne emphasised the importance of this pivotal endeavour, highlighting its capacity to harness WashU’s distinctive resources and expertise for responsible and ethical problem-solving. The initiative’s scope extends to various domains, including science, engineering, public health, creative practices, and beyond.
