About the Center

About GCAISMH:

The Global Center for AI, Society, and Mental Health (GCAISMH) aims to leverage artificial intelligence to address mental health challenges, particularly in underserved communities worldwide.

The Center was founded by David Christini, SUNY Downstate's Senior VP for Research, Kesh Kesavadas, UAlbany's VP for Research & Economic Development, and Pradeep Kakkattil, CEO of High Innovation Exchange, and former Director of the UNAIDS Office of Innovation and Partnership.

The Center operates under Downstate's SVPR Office and UAlbany's Institute for Social and Health Equity. The Center was established through seed funding through SUNY's statewide STRIVE Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan, reinforcing GCAISMH’s role in establishing SUNY and New York State as leaders in AI research, education, and workforce development.

Who we are:

The GCAISMH was established by the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, the University at Albany (UAlbany), and the Health Innovation Exchange (HIEx). The center leverages:

1. Downstate’s expertise in clinical and translational research, public health and equity, and access to a diverse and underserved population;
2. UAlbany’s AI resources, which include advanced AI supercomputing resources from NVIDIA and IBM, and a recent cluster hire of 27 faculty members with diverse AI expertise;
3. HIEx's expertise in supporting innovation ecosystems, providing access to a global network of innovators, investors, policymakers and communities to deliver effective solutions for improved healthcare (HIEx was co-founded by Mr. Kakkattil, former Director of the UNAIDS Office of Innovation and Partnership).