Saif Khairat to serve as chief AI officer

Saif Khairat to serve as chief AI officer

https://www.unc.edu/posts/2026/06/03/saif-khairat-to-serve-as-chief-ai-officer/

Publish Date: 2026-06-03 11:25:00

Source Domain: www.unc.edu

• New Appointment: Saif Khairat, distinguished professor in the UNC School of Nursing, has accepted a secondary role as the chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer and vice provost for AI at the University of North Carolina (UNC).

• Strategic Role: Khairat is tasked with developing and leading the AI strategy across the University to connect and strengthen existing AI initiatives.

• Public Good Mission: The role emphasizes the University’s mission of AI for Public Good, focusing on public service rather than private gain and advancing various sectors like health, governance, and quality of life.

• Provost’s Statement: Provost Magnus Egerstedt praised Khairat’s expertise and vision, expressing enthusiasm for his leadership in harnessing AI to serve the University’s mission and values.

• Expertise and Contributions: Khairat is a highly published researcher with over 140 influential papers and over $10 million in federal research grants; he directs the NIH-funded Center for Virtual Care Value and Excellence.

• Professional Engagement: He serves in several significant national and international digital health and AI advisory roles, including advising the World Health Organization on digital health policies.

• Educative Background: Khairat has earned degrees in health informatics, computer science, and a master’s in public health from esteemed institutions, including the University of Missouri and UNC.

• Excitement for Future Initiatives: Khairat looks forward to advancing AI integration in a responsible and mission-driven manner, emphasizing collaboration and public service.