$1.15 Million Endowment for Informatics Research Conference Honors Longtime Professor

A class of Information Science PhD students stand around a ceremonial $1.15 million check from the First Foundation.
First Foundation’s Malcolm McPherson (center) presents a ceremonial check to CEHC Dean Robert Griffin (right), Information Sciences and Technology Department Chair Carol Anne Germain (left) and Information Science PhD students. (Photo by Brittany Patton)

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2025) — The late Ben-Ami Lipetz devoted his career to advancing the study of information science — a legacy that will continue through a newly established $1.15 million endowment supporting an annual conference at the University at Albany.

The Professor Ben-Ami Lipetz New Trends in Informatics Conference, hosted by UAlbany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC), will bring together researchers, practitioners and students from across the information science community. Over two days, participants will explore emerging topics, share new ideas and help shape the future of the field.

Lipetz retired from UAlbany in 1995, where he taught graduate students for more than 20 years and was the founder of the doctoral program in information science, now housed at CEHC.  

Before his passing in 2019, Lipetz founded the Foundation for Information Resources, Science and Technology (FIRST), bequeathing his full estate to advance the study and application of information science through research and education.

“FIRST grew out of Professor Lipetz’s vision of recruiting friends and colleagues to help promote information science and broaden the field,” said Malcolm McPherson, law partner at Shulman, Howard & McPherson LLP and a member of the FIRST Foundation board. “After Ben passed, the board sought ways to honor his vision and decided to help fund a conference at UAlbany. This endowment is the next step as we look to grow this partnership.”

Bringing Together the Information Science Community

UAlbany has hosted the New Trends in Informatics Research Conference since 2005, with support from Lipetz’s foundation in recent years. The event, which is organized by students in CEHC’s Information Science PhD program, features keynote speeches, panel discussions, poster presentations and hands-on workshops.

The endowment will provide support for expenses related to speaker fees, catering and marketing of the conference. It will also support information science students attending the conference, including their travel and presentation costs.

Last year’s conference had 160 attendees, a number that event organizers hope will grow through the new support.

“Our information science doctoral students have dedicated significant effort to organizing this conference, and their hard work has truly paid off,” said CEHC Vice Dean Jennifer Goodall. “For many students, this is their first experience presenting at a conference, making it an invaluable opportunity to build confidence and network with faculty and peers.”

“We’re thrilled that the FIRST board recognizes the importance of supporting the advancement of information science and fulfilling Professor Lipetz’s vision through this partnership with us,” she added.

New Trends in Informatics Research

The 2025 Ben-Ami Lipetz New Trends in Informatics Conference will be hosted on April 24-25 at the ETEC research and development complex.  

Jane L. Snowdon, an Innovation Engagement Leader and member of the venture capital and innovation team within IBM Research and IBM Corporate Technical Strategy, will offer a keynote address. Other speakers will be announced closer to the conference date.  

Panel discussions will focus on timely topics such as combating misinformation, artificial intelligence governance, advancements in semiconductors, quantum computing, and the application of augmented data.

Those interested in learning more about the conference are encouraged to contact: [email protected]