Informatics Research Institute


Matthew Palakal, Co-Director
IT 455; IUPUI
(317) 278-7611
(317) 278-7669 FAX

John C. Huffman, Co-Director
INFO 321A; IUB
(812) 856-1123
Email center


The goal of the Informatics Research Institute is to identify problems where routine (commodity) information technology tools are inadequate or inappropriate, and to establish collaborations between information technology specialists and practitioners in the targeted field. In the ideal collaboration, a fundamental research target is addressed, and the information technology developed and applied is of sufficient novelty to also be considered an academic project unto itself. Where appropriate, specialists in human computer interface (HCI), law and ethics, education, physical and natural sciences, medical sciences, and other diverse fields, are teamed with computer scientists and IT practitioners to solve problems.

Projects targeted by the IRI generally represent areas that are currently not being pursued by existing programs on campus. One of the major goals of the IRI is to identify sources of funding for unique interdisciplinary projects and to assist in establishing successful research collaborations. The IRI targets specific projects that exemplify the needs and advantages of a formal informatics component, and that have maximum potential to increase awareness of the School of Informatics and its faculty and students.

The IRI has two separate directors, Dr. Matthew Palakal at IUPUI and Dr. John C. Huffman at IUB. Each director is autonomous and reports to the Dean of the School of Informatics.