Van Andel Institute and GVSU partner to advance AI-driven biomedical research through newly launched Ph.D. in Computing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 1, 2026) — Van Andel Institute and Grand Valley State University are partnering to advance artificial intelligence-driven biomedical research as part of GVSU’s recently approved Ph.D. in Computing. 

The collaboration and its specialized focus on Integrative AI for Life Sciences are designed to accelerate trustworthy and ethical AI-driven scientific discovery while strengthening West Michigan’s position as a center for advanced computing, biomedical research and healthcare innovation.

The initiative is an example of how GVSU’s Blue Dot strategy is connecting students and faculty with cutting-edge research that will help shape the future of medicine, computing and opportunities for the region, said GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella.

“This catalytic investment by Van Andel Institute allows us to move with urgency to conduct research and utilize the latest technology to tackle some of the world’s most vexing health challenges,” Mantella said. “This is the kind of partnership and opportunity for our students and faculty that allows us to truly bring the vision of ‘Turning What If? into What Is’ to life at scale.”

The collaboration between GVSU’s College of Computing faculty and Van Andel Institute’s globally recognized biomedical research team includes co-designing the AI in Life Sciences emphasis for Ph.D. students, sharing research infrastructure and jointly mentoring doctoral students. Doctoral students will work directly with College of Computing faculty and VAI scientists to design new models based on artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced computing approaches to better understand diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and explore new approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat them.

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Van Andel Institute Chairman and CEO David Van Andel said the partnership will strengthen the region’s talent pipeline, create new opportunities for collaboration and help accelerate artificial intelligence in biomedical research.  

It also opens new opportunities for entrepreneurship and growth born from joint research efforts. The rapidly growing AI healthcare sector is projected to exceed $500 billion globally by 2032.

“West Michigan has a long tradition of bringing people and institutions together to tackle big challenges and create new opportunities,” Van Andel said. “This partnership continues that tradition, helping develop future leaders, strengthen our innovation economy and advance discoveries that can improve lives around the world.”

This announcement was originally published by Grand Valley State University.