Kansas State University launches next-gen Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics

Kansas State University has launched the interdisciplinary Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics.

The institute is a people-centered interdisciplinary collective transforming learning, research and outreach around digital technologies and advanced analytical methods to enhance agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic decision making.

Work done at the institute will include developing and integrating analytical methods and digital technologies — like sensors, automation and robots — that enhance food production and inform decision making for sustainable and resilient systems.

"A next-generation land-grant university is an innovative university, and that's exactly what we're doing with our new Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics," said K-State President Richard Linton. "Through this new institute, Kansas State University is working across disciplines to solve global agricultural problems and build the economic prosperity of Kansas and one of our state's key industries."

Harnessing expertise from the College of Agriculture, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, and K-State Research and Extension, the institute will advance research and learning in the digital agriculture and advanced analytics realm.

The interdisciplinary structure of the institute will give faculty and students the opportunity to experience firsthand how professionals in different disciplines approach and solve problems, according to Shawn Hutchinson, professor of geography and geospatial sciences and a member of the institute’s core administrave team. "These perspectives and deep technological expertise will enrich agricultural research and outreach efforts and strengthen degree programs, producing our next-generation agricultural practitioners, researchers and policymakers."

The innovation of the institute won't be isolated to just the university; in fact, public-private partnerships with industry experts and collaboration with Kansas communities are key components of the institute's success.

"The goal is to expand our digital footprint to rural communities to facilitate innovative and entrepreneurial ideas with research-driven expertise as it pertains to digital ag," said Ignacio Ciampitti, professor of agronomy and a member of the institute’s core administrative team. "Our team has faculty with K-State Research and Extension appointments facilitating the translation of our science from the research and classroom to every county in Kansas."

PHOTO: Kansas State University is launching the interdisciplinary Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, a people-centered collective transforming learning, research and outreach around digital technologies and advanced analytical methods.

Read the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 issue of New AG International, free to view here.