Advancing Health Innovation Through AI
Artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare and public health, from how evidence is generated to how care is delivered and how systems respond to emerging needs. AIR is seeking ideas from researchers, innovators, and practitioners working on AI-enabled projects that strengthen health systems, address disparities, and improve population health. We welcome submissions at any stage, from early concepts to deployed approaches, and we’re especially interested in efforts grounded in real-world needs.
Read on for key dates, focus areas, and how to submit.
Key details
- Request for Information: Advancing Health Innovation Through AI (download PDF)
- Information due: April 24, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET)
- Notification date: May 19, 2026
- Questions: airesearch@air.org
About AIR
The American Institutes for Research® (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and provides hands-on technical assistance. We partner with communities, health systems, and policymakers to generate trusted evidence and apply practical, data-driven solutions that expand opportunity and improve lives.
Purpose of this RFI
Through this RFI, AIR seeks to:
- Identify innovative AI-enabled concepts and emerging research directions relevant to health systems and population health.
- Understand how organizations are operationalizing responsible AI principles in real-world contexts.
- Assess opportunities for future collaboration, including evaluation and evidence generation, pilot testing, implementation support, and joint research activities.
Note: This RFI is for information-gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute an offer of financial assistance or a commitment to fund any submission. Information collected may be used to shape future solicitations and/or partnership discussions.
Is this a fit? What we’re looking for
We’re especially interested in ideas that address a clearly defined health challenge, disparity, or system gap; are grounded in real-world settings and feasible to evaluate; and reflect thoughtful attention to responsible AI, including fairness, transparency, privacy, safety, and governance. Responses should align with at least one of the focus areas below:
- Health Research & Evidence Generation
- Healthcare Delivery & Clinical Operations
- Public Health Systems & Population Health
- Access & Community Impact
- Responsible AI & Governance
- Emerging Technology Horizons
How to submit
- Start your submission in Submittable (see link below).
- Use the full RFI as your guide. Your responses should follow the requirements outlined. Download the RFI (PDF).
- Submit one concept per entry. If you have multiple ideas, please submit them separately (and coordinate internally if others are contributing).
- Save and return anytime. You can draft your responses and come back to complete your submission before the deadline.
- Need help? Email airesearch@air.org with questions or accessibility needs.
Privacy and submission note
Please do not include personally identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI) in your response. Avoid sharing confidential or proprietary information you are not comfortable providing for review purposes. Submissions will be reviewed by AIR and may inform future AIR-led research, partnerships, and potential funding opportunities.