Retired Longtime Professor Creates a Legacy Through His Estate

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)

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 Research (NTIR) Conference, hosted by UAlbany Foundation’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 in 1995 from UAlbany Foundation, 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.

Prior to his passing in 2019, Lipetz founded the Foundation for Information Resources, Science, and Technology (FIRST) 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 was looking for ways to honor his vision and decided to help fund a conference at UAlbany Foundation.”

UAlbany Foundation has hosted the NTIR Conference since 2005, with support from Lipetz’s foundation in the more 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.

“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 connect with faculty and peers.

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

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