Announcing Wharton Human-AI Research

Wharton Human-AI Research (WHAIR) is the new name for AI at Wharton, the School’s hub for rigorous, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of intelligent technology, business strategy, and human behavior.

The updated name reflects the center’s long-standing leadership in the field and commitment to bringing Wharton’s faculty research to broader audiences. With the creation of the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative by Dean Erika James last year—a strategic, school-wide effort encompassing both education and research—the need emerged to differentiate our research center from this broader initiative.

Under the leadership of faculty co-directors Kartik Hosanagar, Robert Meyer, Stefano Puntoni, and Prasanna (Sonny) Tambe, WHAIR remains a core part of WAIAI and continues to build on Wharton’s commitment to shaping the future of business through world-class scholarship and industry engagement.

“Wharton has been leading in the AI space for years—long before it became a boardroom buzzword,” said Eric T. Bradlow, Vice Dean for AI & Analytics at Wharton, K.P. Chao Professor, Professor of Marketing, Statistics and Data Science, Economics and Education. “WHAIR reflects the depth of our research, the breadth of our expertise, and our continued momentum in translating rigorous insights into real-world impact.”

In support of WHAIR’s larger research mission, we’re launching several exciting new initiatives—and showcasing two of our flagship events—that deliver timely, actionable knowledge to business leaders and academics navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI:

Where AI Works – Launching April 17
A new podcast from the Wharton School in collaboration with Accenture, exploring AI’s real-world impact on business. In Season 1, WHAIR Faculty Co-Director Kartik Hosanagar unpacks how AI-powered tools are reshaping marketing—from social listening and digital advertising to creative automation and customer engagement. Subscribe.

The Wharton Blueprint for Effective AI Chatbots – Available April 28
Developed in collaboration with Science Says, this practical guide gives science-based recommendations for better chatbots that drive customer satisfaction, positive brand perceptions, and sales. Grounded in the latest research in chatbots and human-AI interaction, the Blueprint helps business leaders understand how to improve their customer-facing AI chatbots. Sign up for updates.

Creative Intelligence podcast – Launching May 5
A new podcast series hosted by WHAIR Faculty Co-Director Kartik Hosanagar, examining the evolving role of human creativity in an AI-powered world. Through expert conversations and real-world stories, the series explores what it takes for individuals and organizations to thrive in the age of intelligent tools. Sign up for updates.

AI and the Future of Work Conference – May 21–22
Our flagship annual conference returns this spring, convening leading researchers and practitioners to explore how AI is reshaping jobs, leadership, and the workplace. Learn more and register.

Business & Generative AI Workshop – September 4-5
This research workshop brings together academics and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore bold ideas at the intersection of generative AI and global business transformation. Through focused discussion and forward-looking dialogue, the event will examine how GenAI is reshaping business models, industries, and economies around the world. Read 2024 recap.

These initiatives reflect WHAIR’s ongoing commitment to producing meaningful, accessible, and business-relevant research—and to shaping the conversation around AI’s role in business, creativity, and society.

Stay tuned and thank you for being part of this growing community.