About the Institute
An independent global platform for research, education, and public engagement on the infrastructure powering AI and the internet.
Our vision
We imagine a future in which people collaborate across geographies, disciplines, sectors, and institutions to develop responsible and sustainable approaches to the global internet’s infrastructure.
Why we exist
Understanding digital infrastructure requires expertise that no single organization, company, or government can assemble alone. GDII holds that expertise together under independent academic governance: a global consortium of universities that educates the next generation, pursues interdisciplinary research industry cannot credibly conduct alone, and translates findings for public and policy audiences.
What we believe
A small number of principles guide what we do, whom we partner with, and how we operate.
Independent and objective
Research, education, and communications keep academic integrity and are not dictated by any funder or company.
Open and transparent
Our research is peer reviewed, our datasets are open, and our partners and funding sources are publicly disclosed.
Interdisciplinary
We bring together engineering, environment, policy, business, science, social science, the humanities, and design, because no single field can explain digital infrastructure alone.
Global and collaborative
We were designed as an international network from the start, working with universities, industry, government, and communities.
Relevant and impactful
We take on real challenges and translate findings into frameworks, teaching, and decision support.
How the Institute is organized
The Institute works through three connected parts.
The Hub at UC Berkeley
Coordinates education, research, and public engagement. Receives and administers gifts, employs staff, and runs the public engagement office.
The Academic Consortium
Universities and colleges worldwide that develop their own curricula and research in conversation with the network and draw on its shared resources.
The Industry Affiliate community
Companies that share workforce needs, case studies, guest lecturers, data, and pathways from education to employment. Their input is public.
Governance
The Institute is led by an Executive Director and a Faculty Director, guided by an Institute Board and an advisory board for each pillar. Every member is listed with their affiliation and sector, so the balance of academic, industry, public-sector, and community voices is visible to anyone.
Institute Board
Provides strategic oversight of the Institute, including its finances, partnerships, and commitment to independence. It does not direct research findings.
Advisory boards
Each pillar has its own board, so advice comes from people close to the work.
Education Advisory Board
Advises on curriculum, fellowships, and pathways to careers.
Research Advisory Board
Advises on research priorities and quality. The research agenda itself is set by faculty.
Public Engagement Advisory Board
Advises on communications, community engagement, and policy audiences.
Founding Partner Steering Committee
Founding industry partners meet as a steering committee to advise on partnership programs, student pathways, events, and Living Lab access. It does not set the research agenda. See the founding partners.
Proposed structure, to be confirmedIndependence and funding transparency
- Faculty set the research agenda, programs, and publications.
- Partners identify problems and share data and expertise. Research design, findings, and publication stay with researchers.
- Industry input into research is made public, and research passes peer review wherever possible.
- Every publication lists its funders and any industry input.
- The Institute does not lobby.
Funders and partners
A public list of every funder and partner, with the year and type of support, will appear here.
Populate at launchPeople
Leadership, faculty, staff, and fellows will be listed here with photos and short bios. For the certificate’s instructors, see Faculty & Team.