SAP Donations Create New Endowed Chair in AI at UC Irvine

Key Takeaways

UC Irvine establishes the Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence, funded by a $2 million donation from SAP SE.
The chair aims to enhance AI research and education, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects and industry partnerships.
A public event will inaugurate the chair, featuring a lecture by the faculty member appointed to the position.

New Endowed Chair in AI at UC Irvine

The Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) has established the Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence, thanks to a $2 million donation from SAP SE. This initiative honors Hasso Plattner, SAP’s co-founder and former CEO, and aims to bolster UCI’s position as a leader in AI research and education.

Marios Papaefthymiou, Dean of the Bren School, emphasized the significance of this endowed chair in furthering the school’s mission. He noted that the collaboration with SAP will enhance human-centered computing technologies and contribute to shaping the future of AI.

SAP Chief Technology Officer Philipp Herzig remarked on Plattner’s legacy and the endowed chair’s potential to establish a foundation for advancing technology and preparing future leaders in the AI field. He highlighted the importance of collaborative research and partnerships to push the boundaries of information technology.

The financial support from the endowment will enhance the academic experience by enabling the development of new AI-focused courses for both graduates and undergraduates. It will also facilitate interdisciplinary research projects, foster industry partnerships, and improve computing infrastructure at UCI. In addition, the chairholder will have the opportunity to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in academia and industry.

An official inauguration event for the Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair is planned, which will feature a lecture by the newly appointed faculty member, marking the chair’s establishment as a significant milestone for UCI’s AI initiatives.

Hasso Plattner, who co-founded SAP in 1972, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and evolution, serving as its CEO and chairman of the supervisory board. He attributes his success to his education at Germany’s University of Karlsruhe, which he has described as foundational to his career.

UC Irvine is a member of the Association of American Universities and is recognized among the top public universities in the nation. Committed to excellence in research and education, UCI has produced notable alumni, including five Nobel laureates, and plays a crucial role as a major economic contributor to the region.

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