HOUSTON, December 4, 2024 — Houston Christian University (HCU) and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have joined forces to accelerate advanced computing in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science to empower and shape the next generation of world changers through to joint strategic projects in teaching, research and services.
The collaboration allows universities to explore and engage in research initiatives using NCSA resources with the aim of improving their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
“By applying classroom theories to real-world scenarios, we can make a tangible impact that benefits our environment and our society. This is an exciting opportunity to foster innovation and academic excellence, and we look forward to the valuable results this partnership will produce,” said Dr. James Steen, vice president for enrollment management and of marketing at HCU.
The initiative will allow the institutions to collaborate on a series of strategic projects, including the education and training of highly qualified personnel; co-organization of conferences, meetings, seminars and conferences; collaboration on capacity building initiatives and sharing of information and expertise on technological developments.
Dr. Volodymyr Kindratenko, Director of the Center for AI Innovation at NCSA, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with HCU.
“With this partnership, we envision joint AI research projects with HCU that match our expertise and capabilities. We also look forward to exploring joint funding opportunities as well as potential industry partnerships,” said Dr. Kindratenko.
Dr. Zadok Hakim, associate vice president for online technology at HCU, looks forward to the impactful work that will emerge and called collaboration between institutions “vital” (especially in the areas of innovation and technology) to address complex societal and environmental challenges.
“By bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge and resources, we can achieve results far beyond what a single institution could accomplish alone. This partnership with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois provides a unique platform for our faculty and students to explore cutting-edge technologies while advancing common goals,” said the Dr. Hakim.
The agreement began on October 30, 2024 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2028, subject to the consent of each educational institution.
About the National Center for Supercomputing Applications
THENational Center for Supercomputing Applicationsat the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign provides advanced supercomputing and digital resources for the nation’s scientific enterprise. At NCSA, University of Illinois faculty, staff, students, and collaborators from around the world use these resources to address research challenges for the benefit of science and society. NCSA has been advancing many of the world’s industry giants for more than 35 years by bringing together industry, researchers and students to solve grand challenges at rapid speed and scale.
About Houston Christian University
For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has empowered students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of honors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence shapes the next generation of educated disciples to become pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically while that they have an impact on the world. For more information, visit HC.edu.
Source: HCU