University of Brasília Launches AI Laboratory and Bachelor's Program Marking a Milestone in Brazil's AI Education
The University of Brasília has launched its Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and first undergraduate AI program, emphasizing ethical AI and innovation in education.
- • University of Brasília inaugurated the AI Laboratory (LabIA) during its first AI bachelor's program class.
- • The AI undergraduate course started in the first semester of 2026, developed collaboratively by multiple faculties.
- • The initiative supports Brazil’s public policies on AI under the Ministry of Education’s program.
- • Speakers emphasized ethical AI and the importance of universities in leading AI development.
- • The ceremony included students, faculty, and government representatives emphasizing innovation and responsibility.
Key details
The University of Brasília (UnB) marked a significant milestone on September 26, 2023, by inaugurating the Laboratório de Inteligência Artificial (LabIA) alongside the commencement of its first undergraduate AI bachelor's program. This initiative aligns with Brazil’s broader public policies aimed at boosting education, innovation, and artificial intelligence development, particularly as part of the Ministry of Education's "Innovative and Sustainable Universities Program." The new AI program, which began in the first semester of 2026, was developed collaboratively by UnB’s Institute of Exact Sciences, Faculty of Technology, and Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Technologies.
Vice-Rector Márcio Muniz emphasized the course’s interdisciplinary design and the infrastructural advancements required, such as enhanced data network capacity and energy autonomy to support it. Alba Melo, delivering the welcome lecture, and other speakers highlighted the critical role of ethical AI. Lúcia Campos Pellanda from the Ministry of Education stressed the importance of a sovereign, human-centric approach to AI in Brazil, urging students to commit to continuous learning. Similarly, FAP-DF's Renata Vianna praised UnB's leadership in education and innovation.
The inauguration ceremony saw a strong presence of faculty, students, and representatives from various educational and government institutions, underscoring UnB's commitment to democratic and socio-environmental responsibility in its AI education initiatives under Rector Rozana Naves.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
