Hal Daumé III Honored at 2024 Maryland Research Excellence Celebration

University of Maryland Department of Computer Science Professor Hal Daumé III was honored for his leadership in artificial intelligence at the 2024 Maryland Research Excellence Celebration on April 16 at The Hotel. The event celebrated the distinct and notable accomplishments of UMD researchers and recognized the impact and outcomes of their work. UMD recognized the achievements of more than 200 faculty members and researchers at the event. 

The celebration featured remarks from Gregory F. Ball, Vice President for Research, who emphasized the societal impact of the university's scholarly efforts. He highlighted the university's commitment to research excellence across disciplines. University President Darryll J. Pines and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice were also present. 

Daumé, a Volpi-Cupal Family Endowed Professor, received notable recognition for his work with AI. Appointed as the Director of the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS) in 2023 through a $20 million National Science Foundation award, Daumé has focused TRAILS on transforming AI practices to prioritize ethics, human rights and community input. His advocacy for equity and fairness in AI design and deployment has positioned him as a leading figure in the field. 

TRAILS leverages the unique capabilities of four key institutions. The University of Maryland specializes in computing and human-computer interaction, while George Washington University focuses on systems engineering and the intersection of AI with law and governance. Morgan State University addresses bias and inequity in AI. Cornell University contributes its research on human behavior and decision-making, enhancing the initiative's comprehensive blend of expertise.

Honorees of the Maryland Research Excellence Celebration were nominated for recognition by the deans of their respective schools or colleges. The criteria for nomination included the development of highly cited and transformative research findings, achievements with demonstrable societal impact, recognition by national or international groups, publication in prestigious journals and significant external research funding.

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications 

—Adapted from an article by Division of Research