In the heart of Oklahoma, the Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) stands as a hub of innovation, connecting multidisciplinary teams across campuses to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues. Launched as part of OU’s strategic plan in 2020, DISC harnesses the power of AI, machine learning, and big data to drive transformative advancements across key sectors.
At DISC, collaboration is key. Teams of experts from fields such as health, engineering, climate modeling, energy, national security, and social sciences come together with external partners to innovate and solve complex challenges. Whether it's revolutionizing cancer imaging and clinical trials with the Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC), optimizing military supply chains with the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Institute (OADII) and Tinker Air Force Base, or enhancing public health responses to infectious diseases, DISC’s initiatives span a wide spectrum of critical applications. Furthermore, DISC plays an integral role in supporting the OU community in externally funded research. To date, DISC has been involved in the submission of 212 proposals, representing a cumulative value of $173.96 million, and has successfully facilitated funding for 81 projects, amounting to $53.78 million.
The institute’s impact extends beyond research projects alone. DISC hosts numerous events, workshops, and presentations, fostering a vibrant data science community of over 489 affiliates and 333 members engaged in AI and data science. This community-building effort not only promotes knowledge exchange but also cultivates collaborations that spark groundbreaking ideas. Additionally, DISC has twelve communities of practice (CoPs) that span a wide array of fields to bring together researchers who share common interests, exploring new approaches and synergies, and facilitating collaborative efforts to tackle significant societal challenges. These CoPs provide a platform for brainstorming and exploring innovative solutions and include Bioinformatics, Brain and Behavior, Community Engagement, Digital Humanities, Earth System Science, Machine Learning & Big Data in the Social Sciences, Neuroscience, Countering the Opioid Epidemic, Supply Chain, 3D Workflow, Business & Economics, and Hydrology.
DISC's commitment to innovation is exemplified by its seed funding programs, which have awarded over $749,566 to 93 teams of OU researchers. This funding empowers transdisciplinary teams to explore novel solutions and pursue extramural support for their projects. Frequently, DISC collaborates with other centers and institutes at OU, such as the Institute for Resilient Environmental and Energy Systems (IREES), the Institute for Community and Society Transformation (ICAST), and the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII), and the Stephenson Cancer Center. These partnerships strengthen DISC's impact, extending its reach across multiple disciplines within the OU community.
Moreover, the institute is aware of the power of international collaborations and, over the past two years, has signed MOUs with Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Sejong University, Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione (IULM), and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) to facilitate collaborative work.
As DISC continues to expand its horizons, it stands as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration at the University of Oklahoma. By leveraging the power of AI, machine learning, and big data, DISC is not only addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges but also setting the stage for a future where data-driven solutions transform our world. Through robust partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and a thriving community of scholars and practitioners, DISC exemplifies the University's commitment to excellence and leadership in data science that impacts our world. With a vision to be nationally recognized, the University of Oklahoma and DISC are poised to make a lasting impact, both locally and globally, advancing knowledge and driving positive change across diverse sectors.
