University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science computer science professor Ferdinando Fioretto has been selected to lead a research project in the U.S. Department of Energy's new Genesis Mission, a national initiative that brings together artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and scientific expertise to accelerate discovery and address critical national challenges.
The project, "From Static to Adaptive Grids: Autonomous Topology Control at Scale," is among the first cohort of projects selected through the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission Request for Applications. The initiative seeks to transform how scientific research is conducted by combining advanced AI, high-performance computing and multidisciplinary scientific expertise to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges.
Fioretto's team will develop AI-driven methods for autonomous power grid topology control, enabling electric grids to dynamically adapt to changing conditions, improve resilience and operate more efficiently as demand and energy sources evolve.
"Professor Fioretto's selection reflects the strength of UVA Engineering's leadership in artificial intelligence and our commitment to tackling nationally important challenges," said Sandhya Dwarkadas, chair of the Department of Computer Science. "His work shows how AI can transform complex engineering systems in ways that improve infrastructure, strengthen resilience and benefit society."
The Department of Energy selected 278 projects from what it described as the largest response to a funding opportunity in the agency's history. The selected portfolio includes projects led by national laboratories, universities, companies and nonprofit organizations spanning all 50 states. Research teams will develop AI-enabled scientific workflows across areas including energy systems, advanced computing, materials, nuclear energy and engineering.
As part of the initiative, participating researchers will have access to the Genesis Mission Platform, which brings together advanced AI models, AI agent frameworks and high-performance computing resources from the Department of Energy's national laboratory system and industry partners.