WORCESTER—Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researchers have received a $2 million grant to lead a groundbreaking project aimed at curbing illegal wildlife trade, focusing on species such as sharks, rays, and sea turtles, the school announced.
Partnering with Florida International University and the University of Maryland, the team will develop innovative tools that combine artificial intelligence, biology, and social science to identify vulnerable species and predict trends in illegal trade.
The grant, part of the Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program, also funds the creation of a low-cost test kit for use in ports and airports worldwide to identify trafficked wildlife on the spot.
This project, led by WPI professors Kyumin Lee and Renata Konrad, builds on their previous work using AI and data analytics to combat malicious activities, including human trafficking and online disinformation.
