Technology is key to America and the world’s equitable development. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnologies can increase productivity and efficiency, facilitate communication, improve human health, and enable more people to take advantage of opportunities. At the same time, technology can undermine human rights, lead to job insecurity, and even threaten national security and social stability. To anticipate and mitigate such problems, developers must ensure that the development, deployment and governance of technologies are achieved in an ethical, transparent, and democratic manner. GW faculty can play an important role in facilitating technology in the public interest through research, education, and service.

On March 6, GW will convene an interdisciplinary gathering of faculty whose teaching and research intersects with the growing field of public interest technology—designing and deploying of technologies that advance the public interest. All members of the GW faculty are cordially invited to attend. We will introduce GW’s new Public Interest Technology Scholars, and also hear about new programs from federal agencies that can fund projects in this area.

Snacks will be provided outside the room following the program to allow time for participants to network and forge new collaborations.

Agenda:  

• Vice Provost Pamela M. Norris will announce GW’s three new public interest technology scholars who will describe their work and hopes of encouraging more interdisciplinary teaching and research that serve the public interest:
  • Dr. Susan Ariel Aaronson, Research Professor of International Affairs; Director, Digital Trade and Data Governance Hub; and co-PI, NIST-NSF Trustworthy AI Institute for Law and Society
  • Dr. Alexa Alice Joubin, Professor of English; Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Theatre; International Affairs; and East Asian Languages and Literatures; and Founding Co-Director, Digital Humanities Institute
  • Dr. David Karpf, Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs

• Dr. Zoe Szajnfarber will describe GW Designing Trustworthy AI Systems (DTAIS), a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship that supports PhD students conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human work systems. Dr. Szajnfarber will also discuss her efforts to encourage public interest technology.

• Representatives from Lewis-Burke Associates, a government relations firm specializing in research and education organizations, will provide information on pertinent federal funding opportunities.

• An opportunity for questions and discussion among attendees.