It is with great sadness that UVA Engineering shares news of a significant loss within our community. Bill Scherer, professor and chair of Systems and Information Engineering, passed away on Wednesday, October 30. He wrote this op-ed shortly before his passing. Please read more about Bill's life and legacy.
For the past 50 years, systems and information engineering has been essential in solving some of the world's most complex problems. From streamlining global logistics to optimizing healthcare systems, our field has continuously driven innovation and efficiency. But as we look toward the future, it’s clear that the next 50 years will require something even more transformative: a complete integration of artificial intelligence with human intelligence. Welcome to Systems and Information Engineering 2.0.
SIE 2.0 is about advancing the way we approach systems — moving from designing standalone systems to creating AI-powered systems that harmonize with human decision-making. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, build and manage everything from smart cities to healthcare solutions.
At its core, SIE 2.0 builds on three pillars: AI automation, human-centered design and data-driven decision-making. These pillars serve as the foundation for this new era, where AI systems don’t just process data but provide insights that allow us to make smarter, faster decisions. Importantly, these systems will help us design the intelligent infrastructure of the future.
Building Smarter Systems
At UVA Engineering, we’re taking the lead in research that integrates AI with systems theory, policy and economics to solve the most pressing challenges in industries like healthcare, transportation and energy management.
Our researchers are developing AI systems that allow devices and processes across industries to collaborate seamlessly using advanced analytics. By leveraging federated learning, multi-task learning and Bayesian probabilistic modeling, we’re tackling major challenges like system scalability, data diversity and real-time decision-making. These advancements are shaping smarter, more adaptive systems that can respond to real-world complexity across sectors.
For example, in our Sensing Systems for Health Lab, we’re designing AI-enabled solutions to improve health and well-being. Our researchers use mobile and wearable tech to monitor human behavior in real time, allowing healthcare providers to respond instantly to medical conditions. Imagine a world where AI helps doctors diagnose and treat patients in the moment, improving outcomes and operational efficiency.
In transportation, UVA’s Link Lab is enhancing traffic management by using AI-powered systems that reduce congestion in real time. Our researchers are developing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems that let vehicles, traffic signals and infrastructure "talk" to each other, predicting conditions and preventing accidents. Imagine a future where your car communicates seamlessly with the road and other vehicles, guiding you through the safest, most efficient route while reducing emissions.
In energy management, our researchers at the UVA Environmental Institute are revolutionizing how we distribute energy and integrate renewable sources into power grids. By using advanced simulation and optimization methods, their team is designing systems that protect both people and the environment. The goal? Energy systems that are not only sustainable and cost-effective but also resilient in the face of disruptions like natural disasters. Imagine a future where our energy systems automatically adapt to changes in policy, market shifts and environmental conditions.
Keeping the Human Element
While AI can enhance decision-making, we believe that human insight must always be at the core of any system. At UVA Engineering, our researchers are developing AI systems that work alongside human intelligence — enhancing, rather than replacing — human decision-making.
In healthcare, our AI tools assist doctors in diagnosis and treatment by generating insights, while leaving the interpretation and final decision-making to physicians, preserving the essential role of human judgment. Similarly, in transportation, AI-driven systems enhance safety by adapting to real-time conditions but always keep human oversight in the loop through manual override features, continuous monitoring, and decision-making protocols.
We are also deeply committed to ensuring that AI is applied ethically. Our engineers focus on building systems that are transparent, accountable, and free of bias. By using diverse datasets, developing fairness algorithms, and regularly auditing decision-making processes, we are ensuring that AI serves everyone equitably.
This human-centered approach builds trust, ensuring that AI systems can be integrated into complex environments with confidence and deliver real societal benefits.
Education 2.0
The transition to SIE 2.0 requires a new generation of engineers.
Alongside foundational courses in systems theory, UVA SIE students now engage with advanced topics like AI, behavioral design, MBSE, cyber systems, machine learning and data analytics, equipping them to design intelligent systems that adapt in real time. They learn how to integrate AI with systems modeling, control theory and optimization to develop more efficient autonomous systems that meet real-world challenges.
Our students not only engage with cutting-edge topics like AI and behavioral design but also gain hands-on experience through interdisciplinary projects and industry collaborations. There’s no better way to prepare students for the future of systems engineering than by immersing them in real-world challenges and teaching them how to create AI systems that are fair, transparent and accountable.