Author: admin

Contact: Kawana McGough, Division of Development and Alumni Engagement

Tuskegee University will host the 2026 Amazon AWS–Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) Spring AI/ML Teaching & Research Symposium on February 26–27, 2026 — marking the first time the symposium will be held on a university campus. The two-day event will convene educators, faculty researchers, academic leaders, Amazon professionals, and industry innovators to advance collaboration in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) education and research.

This year’s symposium expands the ongoing collaboration between Amazon’s Machine Learning University and higher education institutions across the country, including HBCUs, community colleges, and research universities. Participants will engage in keynote sessions, faculty-led technical talks, an ethics and AI discussion, networking events, and a faculty recognition ceremony. The symposium will also feature special experiences, including a faculty poster showcase, campus tours, and research presentations.

Who Should Attend

The Symposium will welcome members across the AWS-MLU learning ecosystem, including:

Two-Day Symposium Format

Thursday, February 26 – Montgomery, Alabama
Reception, faculty poster showcase, and networking welcome dinner.

Friday, February 27 – Tuskegee University
A full-day symposium including:

The Symposium will recognize participants receiving the AWS-MLU cohort micro-credential and will also formally launch the application cycle for the 2026/27 educator cohort.

“Machine Learning University is honored that Tuskegee University will host the first AWS-MLU Spring AI/ML Research Showcase at a participating HBCU – a milestone that marks a new chapter in tech innovation. The AWS-MLU Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance will come together to showcase how they’re reshaping the future of AI,” said Dr. Margie Vela, Machine Learning University, Amazon Web Services.

“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our cohorts and look forward to welcoming new faculty and administrators into our 2026-27 cohorts. AWS-MLU is a collaboration between 78 HBCUs and community colleges working with industry AI and Machine Learning experts and leaders to build the future of innovation. This is about revolutionizing how we build AI and machine learning systems to tackle real-world problems with tech that serves all communities.”

“The result of our collaboration this year has been nothing short of AMAZing. Working side-by-side with extraordinary educators, we’re cultivating the next wave of AI and ML pioneers who will reshape how technology serves our mission, to ensure that the AI revolution doesn’t just benefit a select few, but uplifts every corner of society. We are In This Together to transform the future of innovation and technology,” said Dr. Vela.

“Our collaboration with AWS–Machine Learning University signals a transformational moment for Tuskegee University. We are positioning our institution, our faculty and our students at the forefront of innovation — expanding both the global dialogue and the possibilities of what responsible, human-centered AI can achieve,” said Dr. Thierno Thiam, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Tuskegee University.

Call for Abstracts

Faculty researchers are invited to submit abstracts (150–300 words) showcasing original AI/ML research, particularly in:

Advancing possible solutions for some of the most challenging problems in information security.

Advancing the frontiers of AI agents

Systems assurance by mathematical proof.

Building the future of AI with AWS Trainium

Setting the standard for cryptography at Amazon

Advancing solutions to protect the Web from sophisticated cybercrime, abuse and fraud at scale

Data-driven solutions for Device Sustainability: Optimizing manufacturing and use phase impact

Advancing the frontiers of science through transformative ideas

Submission Requirements:

Acceptance Notification: February 8, 2026

Registration will be open to invited faculty, educators, academic leaders, and AWS-MLU collaborators.

Registration Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026

About Amazon Web Services

About Machine Learning University

Through its Machine Learning University (MLU) Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, AWS is dedicated to expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) education. These initiatives empower faculty and senior administrators—particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community colleges—to integrate AI/ML into undergraduate instruction and research through hands-on technical training, open-access curriculum, and peer collaboration. By promoting inclusive and industry-aligned tech education, AWS is helping to cultivate the next generation of diverse and skilled technology leaders.

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