About

Our focal themes centered around data, technology, ethics, social justice, social good, and anchor-driven urban solutions distinguish IDRIS from other data science centers at Rutgers University and neighboring institutions. These foundational concerns allow IDRIS to complement rather than compete with the excellences being developed within the enterprise university.

Mission

To use data and technology to interrogate and address wicked problems (e.g., health inequities, environmental injustice, data quality, data literacy, responsible AI) facing urban communities;

To situate data science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other technologies in an ethical, equity-focused, community-engaged framework that meaningfully accounts for human diversity and the complexities of urbanicity.

History

IDRIS is funded by a Roadmaps Grant from The Rutgers University Academic Affairs Office. IDRIS has three academic foci: 1) Funded Research, 2) Training, and 3) Community-Engaged Practice. Each is enhanced by a series of synergies and partnerships including partnerships with industry, city, state and federal government, and not-for-profit institutions. The institute’s target audience includes students, faculty, external researchers, partners, and members of the NJ community.