The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois Chicago have launched three new research partnerships aimed at advancing scientific discovery through artificial intelligence, data science, and high-performance computing.
The projects are being funded through the inaugural Convergence Intelligence Seed Funding Program, supported by the George Crabtree Institute for Discovery. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative brings together Argonne’s expertise in advanced computing with UIC’s strengths in science and engineering.
More than 50 proposals were submitted across areas including drug discovery, medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and advanced manufacturing. Three projects were selected, each receiving joint funding of $225,000 annually for two years.
One research team will develop machine learning and supercomputing tools to reconstruct neural connections from advanced microscopy images, helping scientists better understand brain structure and function.
A second collaboration will combine AI with advanced sensor technologies to detect contaminants in water systems, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Researchers aim to improve the speed and accuracy of water-quality monitoring and public health assessments.
The third project will focus on creating AI-driven predictive models that track how soft tissues move during surgery using data from robotic imaging systems. The technology could enhance surgical guidance and improve outcomes in minimally invasive procedures.