The AI Core is dedicated to enabling researchers in the basic biology of aging to leverage cutting-edge AI technologies in addressing important problems in aging research. Our mission is to ensure that AI is used strategically, rigorously, and in ways that meaningfully advance scientific discovery in aging biology.
1. AI Consulting (Primary Service)
- Guidance on how AI can strengthen the scientific aims of a project
- Recommendations on appropriate AI/ML methods based on the biological question
- Input on study design from an AI perspective
- Assessment of feasibility, dataset requirements, and methodological fit
- Advising on model selection, validation strategy, and interpretation considerations
2. AI Analysis (Selective / Limited Capacity)
For a subset of pilot projects—and depending on staffing and feasibility—the AI Core may conduct portions of the AI analysis directly. This is typically reserved for scientifically compelling projects that:
- Have a well-defined question and dataset
- Require specialized AI methods
- Align strongly with the mission of the NSC
- Fit within the Core’s available bandwidth
Requirements for Pilot Project Applications
To ensure that the AI Core can provide meaningful support, pilot project proposals must clearly articulate:
1. How AI will advance their project
The PI must explain:
- What the biological question is
- Why AI is needed (and why simple statistics are insufficient)
- How the AI component integrates with the overall research plan
2. A Concrete Dataset and Methodological Direction
The AI Core is not intended to be the primary driver of the research. Pilot PIs must already have:
- A specific dataset identified
- A clear preliminary plan for methodological direction
- A rationale for using advanced AI/ML (beyond simple statistical comparisons)
3. Clear Motivation and Readiness
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- That the biological aims are mature enough to benefit from AI
- That the role of AI is essential rather than exploratory
- That the PI has thought through how the AI analysis fits into the scientific objectives
“An Explainable AI Framework for Identifying Universal Aging Signatures in Cell Embeddings”
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.07.687286v1
You may also be interested in our earlier work on biological age:
“An Explainable AI Framework for Interpretable Biological Age”
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568%2823%2900189-7/fulltext
Core Personnel:
The Core is directed by Dr. Su-In Lee.
