NSF-Simons CosmicAI at NRAO
Advancing Astronomy Through Innovative AI
CosmicAI drives the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address key challenges in astronomy and deepen our understanding of the universe.
Our research focuses on four foundational pillars: trustworthiness, efficiency, interpretability, and robustness. As a collaborative hub, CosmicAI is committed to expanding access to astronomical discovery by promoting open-source AI tools, fostering data sharing, and supporting inclusive educational efforts that bridge the fields of astronomy and AI.
Who We Are
The CosmicAI Institute unites researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia, University of Utah, National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), National Optical and Infrared Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), and University of California Los Angeles.The institute brings together a diverse set of scientists, drawing from an array of departments including Astronomy, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, and more.
Click here to learn more about CosmicAI.
Program Model
This diagram illustrates CosmicAI’s tiered training pathway in AI and astronomy. It begins with a 1-week virtual Winter School (2025–2028) for advanced undergraduates, followed by a 4-week in-person Summer School (2026–2029) for advanced undergraduates and early graduate students. The final stage is the online Certificate of AI in Astronomy Program, offered through UT Austin, and open to advanced undergraduates, early graduate students, and early career faculty. The full model supports learners in progressively building AI expertise for astronomical research.
Student Opportunities
- Virtual CosmicAI Winter School (Student Applications Open August 2025)
- In-Person CosmicAI Summer School
Click here to learn more about CosmicAI Student Opportunities.
Early Career Faculty Opportunities
Each year, CosmicAI sponsors 5 early career participants with tuition-free enrollment in the AI Foundations Certificate with a Concentration in Astrophysics. Sponsored participants receive full program access, including conference travel grants, specialized workshops, and opportunities to apply for research seed funding to support their development in AI and astrophysics.
Interested applicants must complete the following steps:
- Fill out the NRAO Cosmic-AI Interest Form
- Submit an application through the UT-Austin Graduate Portal for the AI Foundations Certificate. This page includes additional information for the certificate course and the link to access the application portal at the bottom of the page (Priority Deadline August 1st, 2025).
CosmicAI is organized into the following four working groups:
Click here to learn more about CosmicAI Early Career Faculty Opportunities.
Funding Partners
CosmicAI is made possible through the generous support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) under award number AST-2421782.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the NSF operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
The authors also acknowledge support from the Simons Foundation through the NSF funding solicitation NSF 23-610.
Our mission is to drive transformative breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, reshape scientific workflows, and expand access to AI and astronomy.
We focus on four core pillars of AI innovation: trustworthiness, robustness, explainability, and efficiency.
This page will be a landing site for useful resources – from poster printing to study programs, and to job opportunities.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need more information about this program, please email drowland@nrao.edu .