UMIACS Information

At the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS)—pronounced YOU-me-acks—researchers use the power of computation to tackle some of the most complex challenges in science and society. Founded in 1984, UMIACS is a hub for interdisciplinary discovery at the University of Maryland. The institute brings together more than 130 faculty members from 17 departments spanning eight colleges and schools, connecting experts in computer science, engineering, linguistics, physics, biology, information science and more. By working across disciplines, these researchers develop new computational approaches to uncover patterns, solve difficult problems and generate insights that drive innovation. Collaboration is central to the institute’s culture. Faculty members work alongside postdoctoral researchers and students to advance fields such as trustworthy artificial intelligence, machine translation, autonomous robotics, microbiome science, quantum information science, computer vision and cybersecurity. UMIACS researchers generate more than $40 million in annual research expenditures, partnering with federal agencies, national laboratories and industry across the Washington–Baltimore region. They also collaborate closely with physicians and clinicians at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, applying computational methods to accelerate biomedical research and improve health care. Education is an important part of the institute’s mission. UMIACS trains more than 250 graduate students pursuing advanced degrees across multiple disciplines and offers research opportunities for undergraduates through NSF-funded summer programs. The institute also supports interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Immersive Media Design (IMD) program, helping prepare the next generation of innovators and technology leaders.