UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE AWARDED NSF GRANT FOR PIONEERING HUMANE AI STUDIES CENTER
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE AWARDED NSF GRANT FOR PIONEERING HUMANE AI STUDIES CENTER
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Jan 30 2024, Charlotte, NC
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) has been granted an award by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a research center dedicated to the study of artificial intelligence (AI) within society. The NSF award totaling $99,866, was officially announced on August 14, 2023, signaling the start of this project scheduled to run from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
The planned Center for Humane AI Studies will embark on a journey to address the intricate ways artificial intelligence (AI) interacts with societal crises. This initiative, spearheaded by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with backing from the National Science Foundation, will aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of AI’s dual potential to both contribute to and alleviate social challenges.
By convening a diverse group of thought leaders from the social sciences, humanities, computational sciences, and health sciences, the Center is poised to develop a pioneering research agenda. This agenda is rooted in an interdisciplinary framework, emphasizing the importance of social sciences and humanities in guiding AI research, with valuable insights from the computational and health sciences.
Under the leadership of Principal Investigator Gordon Hull and Co-Investigators Roslyn Mickelson, Daniel Janies, and Mary Lou Maher, the project embodies a collaborative effort across disciplines. By bringing together experts from the social sciences, humanities, computational sciences, and health sciences, CHAIS seeks to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.
The research projects will be structured around three pillars critical to overcoming current and future AI crises:
Trustworthy AI: Developing systems that earn human trust through ethical and human-centered design.
Equity in AI: Ensuring AI technologies serve all segments of society fairly, without exacerbating existing inequalities or discriminating against marginalized groups.
AI Literacy: Advancing the public's understanding of AI, enabling safe and responsible engagement with AI technologies across various aspects of life.
In addition to foundational research, CHAIS will host a range of activities designed to foster innovation and dialogue in the AI field. These include an innovation salon, a reading group, special topics courses, workshops, and a seminar series. The project also emphasizes educational outreach, with initiatives targeting K-12 teacher training, faculty development, and the creation of a graduate-level public policy program focused on AI.
This NSF award not only acknowledges the intellectual merit of the CHAIS project but also its potential to make broad societal impacts. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the Center for Humane AI Studies at UNCC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a future where AI is developed and deployed in ways that are beneficial and equitable for all.
For further information, please look at the NSF website
About the University of North Carolina at Charlotte:
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study.
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