As AI (artificial intelligence) and LLMs (large language models) continue to transform software development, universities are investing in research that explores new ways to help developers build, maintain, and secure increasingly complex software systems. As one example, Virginia Tech computer science researcher Muhammad Ali Gulzar recently received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to advance research on how large language models understand and interpret software code. His project, titled “Foundations of Semantic Code Understanding by Large Language Models for Software Maintenance,” seeks to improve the ability of AI systems to reason about code in ways that more closely align with human developers. What makes this so innovative is the focus on semantic code understanding—the ability of AI systems to comprehend the meaning and intent behind software rather than simply recognizing patterns in code. By developing foundational methods for evaluating and improving how LLMs interpret software, the research aims to make AI-assisted debugging, testing, and software maintenance more accurate and trustworthy. Here is how this can help: Looking to the future, we will continue to see growing investments in AI-driven software engineering and intelligent development tools. As organizations increasingly rely on large-scale software systems and AI-assisted programming, research focused on improving the accuracy, transparency, and trustworthiness of large language models will play a critical role in shaping the future of digital…

As major international events continue to grow in scale and influence, researchers are examining how global competitions and new innovations can shape tourism, business, and economic activity. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, new research highlights how success evolves in a new era of work. Researchers at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business have explored the relationship between international sporting success and economic performance, particularly within tourism markets. Their findings suggest that strong performances in events like the FIFA World Cup can increase global awareness of a country, strengthen destination branding, and create opportunities for tourism-related businesses. Here is how this can help: Looking to the future, researchers expect large-scale events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup to continue influencing tourism trends, destination marketing, and economic development strategies worldwide. Certainly, this is only one example of how sports and business are increasingly intersecting. We can expect to see more research and innovation focused on maximizing the long-term benefits of global sporting events in the years…