Exploring the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Every AI breakthrough starts with a fundamental question: How do machines actually learn? On February 9th, see how UNC Computer Science faculty are answering that question through groundbreaking research in neural architectures, video understanding, language models, and intelligent robotics. Join us for lightning talks, live demonstrations, and candid discussions about the computational foundations that make artificial intelligence possible.

About This Event

While ChatGPT captures headlines, our researchers are inventing the next generation of algorithms that will define what’s possible five years from now. From revolutionary ego-exo learning that teaches AI to see from multiple perspectives, to self-correcting AI agents that catch their own mistakes, discover the actual science behind machine intelligence. You’ll leave understanding not just what AI can do, but how and why it works—knowledge that transforms how you think about this technology contributes to the broader AI ecosystem at Carolina and beyond. Note: This event complements the university-wide AI Day in April. While that event explores AI applications across all disciplines, Core AI focuses specifically on the foundational computer science research that makes those applications possible.

Date: February 9, 2026

Venue: Sitterson Hall (201 S. Columbia Street)

Duration: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Schedule

8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast

9:30 AM Opening Ceremony/Remarks

10:00 AM Core UNC CS AI Faculty Lightning Talks

12:20 PM Networking Lunch & AI Research Fair (register to be part of the research fair here.)

2:00 PM Panel: Core to Application: How AI Research Enables Discovery Across Carolina

Full schedule details and registration information can be found here.