UIC Business Expands Global AI Research Partnerships with Universities in Taiwan
A University of Illinois System–supported visit by IDS Professor and Department Head Ali Tafti strengthened global collaboration in artificial intelligence research and academic exchange with leading universities in Taiwan.
UIC Business Expands Global AI Research Partnerships Through Taiwan Visit
UIC Business continues to expand its global research reach through a recent academic visit to Taiwan by Ali Tafti, Professor and Head of the Department of Information and Decision Sciences. Supported by a University of Illinois System grant through the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT), the visit focused on strengthening research collaboration and academic exchange with National Central University (NCU) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU).
UIC Business was the only unit at the University of Illinois Chicago to receive funding through the 2024 UAAT–University of Illinois System program, which is designed to foster sustained research partnerships between Illinois faculty and Taiwanese institutions.
AI Research Exchange at National Central University
At NCU, Tafti delivered a faculty research seminar on AI alignment in digital platforms, examining how optimization-driven systems can unintentionally shift toward manipulating human behavior—and the implications for AI safety and ethics. The seminar sparked active discussion and generated several promising research directions with NCU faculty.
He also led a seminar for approximately 75 graduate students and faculty on Causal AI, introducing core concepts, real-world applications, and pathways for students interested in causal modeling and AI research. Additional meetings and office hours focused on identifying opportunities for joint research and academic exchange.
The visit strengthened relationships with leading Taiwanese universities and laid the groundwork for sustained research collaboration and academic exchange.
—Ali Tafti, Professor and Head, Department of Information and Decision Sciences
Building Global Partnerships at National Tsing Hua University
At NTHU, Tafti met with faculty and doctoral students in the Institute of Service Science to explore shared research interests and potential collaborations. These discussions included group sessions and one-on-one meetings aimed at advancing joint projects and longer-term academic exchange.
During the visit, NTHU Vice President for Global Affairs Galit Shmueli expressed interest in UIC Business’s improvisation and professional development courses offered through the Institute for Leadership, Excellence and Development, opening the door to potential instructional collaboration.
Emerging AI and Analytics Research Collaborations
The visit led to the establishment of active and developing research collaborations. With NCU scholars, Tafti initiated a new study examining AI-driven manipulative design features and how users perceive and respond to platforms’ intent and value.
With NTHU collaborators, he is advancing research on replication and causal modeling in information systems, with projects currently under preparation or nearing submission.
The visit concluded in Taipei with additional discussions on research collaboration and academic exchange, reinforcing UIC Business’s commitment to globally engaged, high-impact research in artificial intelligence and analytics.