Program Details
Our Thematic Labs Program supports cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Data Science at Texas A&M University. The program funds research labs for a two-year period, providing seed funding, administrative and research support, and engagement opportunities within the TAMIDS ecosystem. The mission of each Lab is to develop knowledge, resources, and community around their focus area—encompassing research, education, and outreach.
For the 2025 solicitation, Labs focus on foundational AI advancements, domain-specific applications of AI, or a combination of both to drive innovation and enhance Texas A&M’s competitiveness for external funding.
We solicit proposals to establish new Labs, through a competitive grant proposal process. TAMIDS supports each awarded Lab for a two-year period through a combination of seed funding for new research, effort from TAMIDS personnel, administrative support, and opportunities to engage with the TAMIDS network of programs, partners, and participants.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, March 20 | 1:15–2:15 PM
Zachry 298 (Chevron Rooms) & Zoom
The session will cover the Thematic Lab Program, what is required for proposals, and provide an opportunity to meet with Institute members and have a few snacks.
Lab Activities
Thematic Labs engage in a range of activities to advance AI research and impact, including:
- Conduct Pilot Research Projects: Labs propose and receive funding for two pilot research projects in the thematic area.
- Increase Texas A&M’s Capacity: Labs create and share new methods, datasets, and software that expand Texas A&M’s capacity in the thematic area. Labs may also create or contribute to infrastructure resources that enable future research.
- Disseminate Research Outcomes: Labs increase Texas A&M’s visibility and broaden the impact of their research outcomes through tutorials, workshops, student research, and outreach activities to widen profi ciency, participation, and literacy in their thematic area.
- Engage with the TAMIDS Community: TAMIDS assists with dissemination and helps labs engage with the broader TAMIDS ecosystem. Lab members have opportunities to participate in TAMIDS activities such as serving on review panels or contributing expertise to other Thematic Labs by consultation, collaboration, development of research proposals, and connecting with industry partners.
Current Thematic Labs
Proposing a Thematic Lab
Proposals are due: April 21, 2025.
The TAMIDS Thematic Labs Program invites faculty teams to propose new labs focusing on Artificial Intelligence (incorporating elements of Machine Learning and Data Science). You can read the full 2025 Request for Proposals here. The program seeks submissions with a demonstrated focus in AI that meet the following criteria:
- Research Impact: Advance and innovate in frontier or foundational areas of AI and/or leverage these for high impact in domain applications, emphasizing areas not supported by similar Texas A&M programs.
- Strategic Impact: Address or enable research on societal challenges, strategic priorities, or emerging opportunities for AI at the state, regional, and national level.
- Funding Impact: Submit one or more large-scale proposals for extramural funding during the two-year support period.
- Ecosystem Impact: Enable future research by expanding Texas A&M’s knowledge base around AI in the thematic area and/or establishing AI-driven capabilities or infrastructure.
- Alignment Impact: Leverage or build on Texas A&M resources and investments in AI knowledge and related infrastructure.
Proposals should:
- Define a compelling research theme aligned with program objectives.
- Outline two pilot research projects with clear impact and funding potential.
- Describe the lab team’s expertise and strategic goals for research and ecosystem development.
- Demonstrate potential for sustained impact beyond the initial two-year funding period.
We have prepared an optional Proposal Template Word document for the 2025 RFP.
Previous Calls
Contact Information
Nick Duffield, TAMIDS Director, duffieldng@tamu.edu.