Cornell University AI for Sustainability AI4S Visiting Professorship Program 2027

The Cornell University AI for Sustainability AI4S Visiting Professorship Program 2027 is inviting faculty scholars from around the world to collaborate on research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainability. The programme provides an opportunity for academics to work with faculty, researchers and students connected to the Cornell AI for Sustainability Initiative, while contributing to research, teaching and the wider academic environment.

The programme is designed to build meaningful and sustained academic collaborations rather than create a conventional full time visiting appointment. Selected visiting professors normally hold the Cornell University AI4S Visiting Professor title for two years, with the possibility of extension. During this period, they can participate in short academic visits to Cornell, typically lasting a few days and generally no more than two weeks at a time.

The initiative brings together artificial intelligence research and major sustainability challenges. Cornell’s wider AI and Sustainability work includes sustainable AI systems, climate adaptation and resilience, climate mitigation and decarbonization, nature and biodiversity, and the built environment and circular economy.

About the Opportunity

The AI4S Visiting Professorship is intended to strengthen international academic collaboration in artificial intelligence and sustainability. Visiting professors have the opportunity to engage with Cornell researchers, participate in research discussions, deliver seminars or guest lectures and contribute to curriculum development.

Cornell describes the opportunity as a paid visiting professorship. The programme is structured around short visits rather than a permanent relocation or conventional employment appointment. Cornell’s Global Hubs information also describes the visits as taking place over a period of two calendar years.

The programme can therefore provide a flexible way for established academics and researchers to develop international research relationships while maintaining their primary academic commitments at their home institutions.

Opportunity Benefits

• Paid visiting professorship opportunity at Cornell University

• Opportunity to collaborate with researchers working at the intersection of AI and sustainability

• Access to an international academic network

• Opportunities to develop collaborative research projects

• Engagement with Cornell faculty, researchers and students

• Opportunity to contribute to AI4S curriculum development

• Opportunity to give seminars and guest lectures

• Participation in research discussions and the wider academic environment

• Short academic visits that can be combined with responsibilities at the home institution

• Visiting Professor title normally held for two years

• Possibility of extending the visiting professorship

• Potential consideration for accompanying students as part of a broader collaborative plan, subject to available resources

Programme Areas

The programme connects artificial intelligence with sustainability research across areas including:

• Sustainable artificial intelligence and reduction of the environmental impact of AI

• Climate adaptation and resilience

• Climate mitigation and decarbonization

• Energy systems and materials

• Nature and biodiversity

• Environmental monitoring and natural resource management

• Built environment and circular economy

• Sustainable computing and AI infrastructure

• Food and natural systems

• Responsible application of artificial intelligence to sustainability challenges

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to faculty members worldwide

• Faculty scholars at all career stages may be considered

• Applicants should have research interests relevant to artificial intelligence and sustainability

• Candidates must be nominated by a faculty member connected to the Cornell AI for Sustainability Initiative

• Prospective visitors should establish research fit and potential collaboration with a suitable Cornell faculty member

• The proposed collaboration should align with the mission and research interests of the AI for Sustainability Initiative

• Candidates should be able to contribute to the academic environment through research, teaching, seminars, guest lectures or related activities

Required Application Information

The nomination should provide information that demonstrates the proposed academic collaboration, including:

• Current curriculum vitae

• Description of the candidate’s relevant expertise

• Details of existing collaboration with CAISI, where applicable

• Outcomes from previous collaboration activities, where applicable

• Description of the proposed research collaboration

• Expected outcomes from the proposed collaboration

• Proposed contribution to the AI4S curriculum

• Proposed contribution to the wider Cornell academic environment

• Proposed timing for the visit

• Detailed budget plan

The formal nomination is submitted by the Cornell faculty member rather than directly by the prospective visiting professor.

How to Apply

1. Review the Cornell University AI for Sustainability Visiting Professorship information and identify how your research interests connect with the programme.
2. Identify a Cornell faculty member connected to the AI for Sustainability Initiative whose research interests align with your proposed collaboration.
3. Contact the potential faculty host to discuss research interests, collaboration opportunities and the proposed visit.
4. Develop a clear research collaboration proposal explaining the research objectives, expected outcomes and relevance to AI and sustainability.
5. Prepare your curriculum vitae and the other information required for the nomination.
6. Discuss your proposed contribution to the AI4S curriculum and wider Cornell academic environment with the prospective faculty host.
7. Prepare a proposed visit schedule and detailed budget plan.
8. Work with the Cornell faculty member to submit the formal nomination.