UF informatics and data science researchers now have a new place to call home.
The UF Informatics Institute, which aims to enhance data research, held a grand opening Thursday afternoon for its renovated space in the Computer Science and Engineering building, Room E251. More than 80 people attended.
Previously, the space was an underutilized computer lab, said UFII director George Michailidis. Now, it will serve as an interactive space for students and faculty to share their research. The university started renovating the lab in February, Michailidis said. The renovations include two student workrooms, four conference rooms and a kitchen.
"It’s important that we have coffee," Michailidis said about the kitchen.
The Office of Research funded $650,000 for the renovation, said David Norton, UF vice president of research. Data science and informatics student organizations and data groups can hold meetings there, and others can use it to conduct conferences, Michailidis said.
Additionally, UFII created two fellowship programs that post-doctoral and graduate students have the opportunity to participate in, and these students will get workstations in the room.
The programs’ applications are still open. Only 12 spots are available, said Alethea Geiger, who organized the opening.
Gavin O’Leary, vice president of Data Science and Informatics Student Organization, said he’s interested in applying.
"The data science at UF, especially from the Informatics Institute, seems to be blossoming right now," the 23-year-old said.
