III: Medium: Human-in-the-loop Visual AI for Precise Scientific Measurement

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $999,967 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing scientific discovery by enabling researchers to analyze large and complex datasets that are otherwise beyond the reach of traditional methods. However, AI is not without limitations—it can introduce systematic errors, make unacceptable mistakes, and often lacks the statistical guarantees that scientists require. This project aims to unlock the full potential of AI in scientific research by developing techniques that integrate imperfect AI models with human-in-the-loop feedback and rigorous statistical estimation. These methods will enable high-throughput, high-precision scientific measurements with quantified uncertainty from large-scale datasets. The work will be grounded in four high-impact applications spanning environmental science and sensing—using data from satellite imagery, radar, acoustics, and sonar. By systematically evaluating the approach in real-world settings, this project will help expand scientists’ ability to use AI responsibly and effectively for discovery and decision-making in areas such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. The project will support interdisciplinary training for PhD students and undergraduate researchers by incorporating its research themes into undergraduate and graduate courses, designing course projects that address real-world challenges in deploying AI, and organizing community workshops that amplify the impact of AI in scientific domains. The project will develop a new

Key facts

NSF award ID
2504073
Awardee
University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
VGJHK59NMPK9
PI
Subhransu Maji
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
INFO INTEGRATION & INFORMATICS, MEDIUM PROJECT
Estimated total
$999,967
Funds obligated
$999,967
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028