UNC revealed its next chief artificial intelligence officer is Saif Khairat, a current professor at the School of Nursing.

Khairat will serve in the role as a secondary appointment, retaining his status as a professor. According to UNC’s release, he will “shepherd Carolina’s vision of ensuring that the invention, use and governance of AI serves the public good.”

“Carolina has long been defined by its public mission and its commitment to lead in moments of change,” Khairat said. “Artificial intelligence is now reshaping discovery, education and healthcare. Carolina has extraordinary talent across every school and discipline, and the opportunity before us is to bring that expertise together with purpose.”

He is the second person to hold the role at UNC, which was first held by former School of Information and Library Science Dean Jeffrey Bardzell. Bardzell first accepted the university-wide position in October 2025, before departing for a new role at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in March.

Khairat now leads the university’s “AI for Public Good” initiative, which the university says will center around developing uses for AI that benefit the public rather than leading to private gain. 

Much of his work centers on the overlap between healthcare and technology. He’s the director of the Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence, an NIH-funded organization researching telehealth. He’s also an associate director for the Carolina Health Informatics Program, a graduate program training healthcare leaders. He’s also a fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics.

Outside of those roles, he works for the Lineberger Cancer Center and the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services research. He has authored over 140 papers, securing over $10 million in federal research grants.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we teach, learn, discover and serve the public, creating both new opportunities and important challenges for higher education,” said Provost Magnus Egerstedt. “Saif brings deep expertise, a strategic vision and a collaborative approach to helping Carolina navigate this moment with purpose and confidence. I’m excited to see his leadership help position our University to harness the potential of these technologies in ways that advance our mission, strengthen our impact and remain grounded in the values that define Carolina.”

Khairat reiterated his goal of ensuring UNC’s use of AI will be conducted in the most constructive way possible.

“My focus will be on advancing and integrating AI at Carolina in ways that are responsible, practical, collaborative and true to our mission to serve North Carolina and the public good,” he said. “I am grateful to Provost Egerstedt for this opportunity, and I am energized by what Carolina will accomplish.”

 

Featured image via UNC School of Nursing.

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