Before November 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) was a topic reserved for specialists, such as mathematicians and computer scientists, as reflected in Google Trends data. General interest surged after the emergence of ChatGPT, a tool that has popularized conversation with advanced AI systems and is already used by one in three internet users, according to the CNMC. The adoption of AI has spread to almost all sectors, although the Massachusetts Institute of Technology warns that 95% of industrial projects do not succeed. However, universities are in a privileged position to drive the success of these initiatives, as they are the epicenter of research and practical application of AI. AI enables machines to perform traditionally human tasks, such as data analysis, text writing, document classification, or medical diagnosis. Thanks to training with large volumes of data, systems can learn from their mistakes and improve without direct human intervention. Algorithms, developed in universities and companies, aim to solve everyday needs, achieving not only greater speed and accuracy but also the detection of patterns that may go unnoticed by experts. Alicia Troncoso, a professor at Pablo de Olavide University and president of the Spanish Association of Artificial Intelligence, highlights the benefits of AI in areas such as health, energy efficiency, public management, and education. One example is the system developed by her team to anticipate the arrival of the olive fly in Andalusia, allowing farmers to act before the pest causes damage. Troncoso has also collaborated on a model that predicts water consumption in households, facilitating both family planning and efficient management by supply companies. At the University of Córdoba, Raúl Romero Salguero leads the development of explainable AI systems, which allow professionals to understand the reasons behind machine recommendations, such as in medical diagnoses. This transparency reinforces trust and facilitates the integration of AI in sectors where users are not technology experts. David Becerra Alonso, a professor at Loyola Andalucía University, applies machine learning to neuroscience to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with consciousness disorders. He has also created an educational tool that personalizes curricula and exercises, acting as a tutor for students and an assistant for teachers, thus optimizing classroom time. At the University of Granada, Daniel Calderón González develops a conversational program that simulates patients for the training of future psychologists, expanding the variety of cases and reducing risks in practice. Meanwhile, at the University of Jaén, Carmen María Sánchez Morillas and María García Fernández work to ensure that future teachers understand the functioning, ethical implications, and practical applications of AI, promoting the use of these tools in education. University research responds to social demands and is driven by public and private funding, which guides priority topics. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the Andalusian university system has incorporated 84 new degrees related to AI. However, the lack of resources remains a challenge, as Troncoso points out, lamenting that most students opt for the private sector due to limited academic funding. Despite this, 62% of Andalusian companies plan to invest in AI, compared to 20% two years ago, according to the Innovation and Digitalization Barometer of Andalusia and Extremadura. AI not only transforms industries but also directly impacts people's lives, improving health and education. Andalusian universities continue to work to ensure that technology contributes to the daily well-being of society. Source: diariodecadiz.es