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50+ sessions. 20+ institutions. AI has everyone’s attention. Explore what comes next, with people at the center.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

   See the Full Program

The CHS AI Research Summit brings together researchers, educators, industry professionals, students, and organizational leaders around the theme, Exploring Human-Centered AI in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.

Hosted by the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences on Friday, October 16, 2026, the Summit will feature a full day of research, practical learning, interdisciplinary exchange, and opportunities to connect across academic and professional sectors.

Explore. Connect. Engage.

The sold-out 2026 CHS AI Research Summit brings together approximately 260 faculty, researchers, students, university leaders, industry professionals, and community partners. Explore how human-centered AI is shaping education, research, work, and society through a full day of discovery, practical learning, and conversation.

50+ Presenters, Panelists & Workshop Leaders

Discover emerging research, try hands-on workshops, engage with academic and industry leaders, and join conversations about AI's opportunities and challenges. The program includes a featured keynote, leadership panels, research and project presentations, rotating roundtables, an Industry Showcase & EXPO, and networking.

20+ Universities & Organizations Represented

Virginia Commonwealth University • Virginia Tech • William & Mary • University of Virginia • George Mason University • Old Dominion University • Howard University • University of Maryland • University of Richmond • University of Mary Washington • UNC-Chapel Hill / RENCI • Capitol Technology University • Reynolds Community College • Library of Virginia • AI Ready RVA • CapTech • CloudAI Technologies • Arm • and more.

Thank You to Our Supporters and Partners

List of event sponsors and supporters

We thank our 2026 supporters and partners for helping bring the CHS AI Research Summit to life and connecting researchers, educators, industry leaders, and community members.

 

Thank You to Our Summit Team

The 2026 CHS AI Research Summit is possible because of the time, expertise, and dedication of colleagues across VCU and our wider community.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Summit co-chairs Dr. Joshua Smith, Dr. Marcus Messner, and Dr. Amy Rector for their leadership, planning, and sustained work to bring the Summit to life. We also thank Dr. Catherine Ingrassia, Dean of the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, for her leadership and support.

Special thanks to Alexis Finc, Orna Weinstein, Nathan Heintschel, Sydney Smith, Sarah Stanley, and Matthew Springer for their work on communications, event coordination, and logistics.

We gratefully recognize Allyson Kane, Andrew Massa, Angela Reynolds, Corey Moore, Curt Blankenship, Isabel Goudie, Jen Allen, Jennifer Johnson, John Skaritza, Oliver Speck, Scott Sherman, Victor Chen, and Vivian Medina Messner for supporting registration, room moderation, setup, and attendee assistance. We also thank the HASTech team and Singleton Center staff for their technical and facilities support.

Special thanks to our Dean's Leadership Panel: Laura Belmonte, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech; Kelli Feldman, Dean of the School of Education at VCU; Nicole Tong, Dean of the School of Business, Humanities, and Public Service at Reynolds Community College; and Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at VCU, for contributing their perspectives on AI and higher education.