Xin Wei
Forum lead and lead content organizerSchmidt AI in Science Fellow · University of Michigan
AI for geohazards, responsible research translation, and cross-sector collaboration.
About SPARK
What does it take to move AI research beyond the paper?
SPARK is a Fellow-led forum and community hub. It brings current and alumni Schmidt AI in Science Fellows together to build practical skills, test ideas through small-group projects, and begin working with cross-sector collaborators earlier in the research process.
Our mission
Move AI-enabled science toward responsible, reproducible, and useful outcomes.
SPARK combines a retreat-style forum with a public resource hub supporting research translation, practical skills, cross-sector collaboration, mentorship, and sustained community connection.
The initiative welcomes scientific diversity. It is not centered on one discipline, one AI method, or one career path. Instead, it creates a shared environment in which participants can learn from one another and connect technical research with societal needs.
The public hub is designed to remain useful beyond a single event: preserving selected learning resources and project outputs, sharing community perspectives, and helping Fellows and alumni discover future opportunities and activities.
SPARK Forum
Planning in progressA Retreat for Responsible Research Translation and Cross-Sector Collaboration
SPARK will bring current and alumni Schmidt AI in Science Fellows together with cross-sector collaborators to explore how research moves into practice—through shared problem framing, emerging AI methods, hands-on skills, small-group projects, mentorship, and reflection.
- Location
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Dates
- March 7–12, 2027 (tentative)
- Status
- Program in development
March 7: participant check-in only. March 8–12: main program.
Program arc · Preview
From welcome and connection to work that can continue.
- Day 1Frame real-world impact
- Day 2Explore emerging methods
- Day 3Build practical skills
- Day 4Prototype together
- Day 5Share & continue
The people behind SPARK
Meet the six Fellows and alumni leading the SPARK Forum.
We conceived SPARK and are bringing it to life—shaping the Forum's program, partnerships, participant experience, collaborative projects, and long-term community resources.
Shanshan Liu
Content development and logisticsSchmidt AI in Science Fellow · University of Michigan
AI in transportation engineering, event organization, and cross-sector collaboration.
Paige Bowling
Logistics and participant experienceSchmidt AI in Science Fellow · University of Michigan
Scientific software and method development, event planning, and retreat activities.
Christin Salley
Alumni engagement and workshop designSchmidt AI in Science Alum · Research Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech
AI ethics and governance, mentorship, and facilitation of multi-stakeholder convenings.
Nathan Fox
Organizing team memberSchmidt AI in Science Alum · MIDAS AI Scientist, University of Michigan
AI in science community programming and conference and workshop organization.
Eliot Miller
Collaborative projects and community activitiesSchmidt AI in Science Alum · BirdsPlus Index Manager, American Bird Conservancy
AI for biodiversity monitoring, conservation decision support, and community-building.
Special thanks
This work would not be possible without their support.
We are grateful for the guidance, coordination, and practical help of colleagues across Schmidt Sciences and MIDAS.
AI in Science Fellowship Program at Schmidt Sciences
Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS) team
Our principles
The commitments guiding the work.
These principles shape both the Forum and the way this hub is developed and maintained.
Responsibility from the start
Ethics, participation, accountability, and stakeholder values belong throughout the research lifecycle.
Translation through collaboration
Strong pathways to impact are co-designed with the people and institutions involved.
Open and reproducible practice
Research outputs should be understandable, maintainable, and shareable whenever possible.
Accessible technical depth
People with different backgrounds should be able to contribute meaningfully and continue learning.
Relationships that last
Community-building is an essential research capability, not an optional social activity.
Community-led
A hub built with—not merely for—the community.
SPARK is organized by current and alumni Schmidt AI in Science Fellows.
This public hub and website were created by Dr. Xin Wei at MIDAS, University of Michigan as part of the SPARK initiative.
Get involved
There are many ways to contribute.
Share a useful resource, point the community toward an opportunity, suggest an event, or bring a real research-translation challenge.