Artificial Intelligence – Baskin School of Engineering

Baskin Engineering is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research, leading in core technology development, science and health applications, and ethical and safety frameworks. As one of the first adopters of natural language processing research programs, our Silicon Valley Campus has driven cutting-edge AI research for over a decade, advancing the foundational technologies behind today’s most intelligent systems.

Researchers build high-performing large language model on the energy needed to power a lightbulb

UC Santa Cruz researchers show that it is possible to eliminate the most computationally expensive element of running large language models, called matrix multiplication.

The new, open source model achieves the same performance as state-of-the-art models like Meta’s Llama.

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Research in action

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AI chatbots perpetuate biases when performing empathy

A new study shows how AI chatbots like ChatGPT perpetuate biases when performing empathy—highlighting gaps between human and AI responses.

New AI tool detects hidden cancer mutations

By comparing tumor and healthy DNA, a new AI tool identifies the genetic changes that drive each patient’s cancer, which can help guide treatment decisions.

A storm rolling into the Gulf of Mexico.

Regional ocean dynamics can be better emulated with AI models

Researchers developed a new AI-driven method for modeling ocean dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico—which could help manage port operations and monitor extreme weather events.

Smart device uses AI and bioelectronics to speed up wound healing process

A new smart device uses AI and bioelectronics to accelerate wound healing by about 25%, delivering personalized treatment and expanding access to wound care.

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Widespread machine learning methods behind ‘link prediction’ are performing poorly

Link prediction techniques—used as a benchmark for testing the performance of new machine learning algorithms—are performing significantly worse than popular literature indicates, finds researchers.

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‘Future-guided’ AI improves seizure prediction

An AI-powered method improves seizure prediction by up to 44% over baseline approaches—offering a new way to understand and anticipate changing data.

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BE experts

For media inquiries contact: Emily Cerf, Engineering Writer and Media Relations Specialist: ecerf@ucsc.edu

Reimagining artificial intelligence

Jason Eshraghian, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is taking cues from the human brain to rethink how artificial intelligence can operate—drawing from neuroscience, computer science, and microelectronics to create more efficient, sustainable AI.

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Specialty areas

AI and ethics

AI for applied science

AI for health

Advanced robotics

Computer hardware

Computer vision and multi-modal AI

Data science

Generative AI

Natural Language Processing

Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)

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Many research projects take place at our Silicon Valley Campus

Baskin Engineering in Silicon Valley

UC Santa Cruz Generative AI Center

Generative AI demands a multidisciplinary focus. As AI rapidly grows across industries, this emerging field necessitates novel frameworks, applications, and ethical guidelines for implementation and utilization. The UC Santa Cruz Generative AI Center aims to address these challenges by creating a collaborative hub for exploring, understanding, and shaping this evolving field.

GenAI UCSC

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