Initiative trains U of T students to integrate ethical considerations into tech design
As challenges such as AI safety, data privacy and misinformation become increasingly prevalent, the Embedded Ethics Education Initiative (E3I) integrates ethics modules into select undergraduate computer science courses. In recognition of the program’s impact on the undergraduate student learning experience, the team behind E3I has won the 2024 Northrop Frye Award (Team), one of the prestigious U of T Alumni Association Awards of Excellence.
SRI/PEARL joint project explores global public opinion on AI with contributions to 2024 Stanford AI Index
The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) has released their 7th annual AI Index, and this year’s edition includes data from a joint project by SRI and the Policy, Elections and Representation Lab (PEARL) at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. The Stanford Index is considered one of the most trusted and widely-read indices about the state of AI in the world.
SRI’s annual conference, Absolutely Interdisciplinary, returns in May of 2024
The Schwartz Reisman Institute’s annual academic conference will take place May 6–8, 2024, with select sessions taking place in the newly-completed Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus located in the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District. Speakers include: Peter Railton, Harper Reed, Huili Chen, Ray Perrault, Gillian Hadfield, and more.
Automated decision-making in courts of law: A conversation between Nathalie Smuha and Abdi Aidid
Can algorithmic decision-making help clear backlogs in the courts, and is this a justified use of the technology? Do automated systems make “better” decisions than human judges, and what do we mean by “better”? Should legal professionals be involved in the design of automated systems, and if so, how? Nathalie Smuha and Abdi Aidid discuss these and related questions.
A new generation reflects on data and human rights
Undergraduate students at the University of Toronto reflect on what they learned from attending a book launch event on data and human rights—and how they see the future unfolding in the digital age.
New cohort of SRI faculty affiliates announced for 2024
The Schwartz Reisman Institute is pleased to announce the addition of 10 new faculty affiliates to its research community. Hailing from across the University of Toronto, the new cohort of faculty affiliates brings an array of expertise from diverse fields including sociology, Indigenous studies, philosophy, and computer science, enriching the scope of research conducted by SRI’s vibrant community.
SRI Seminar Series presents cutting-edge research on the social impacts of advanced technologies
The SRI Seminar Series returns for 2024 with 12 exciting presentations exploring how data-driven technologies are changing our world, including talks on economics, law, political science, privacy, behavioural science, linguistics, and the ethics of AI. Registration for all sessions is now open.
Call for applications: New SRI working group will explore the role of trust in human-ML interaction
Do we trust machine learning systems, and if so why? How can ML systems earn and maintain our trust? These and related questions will be explored by an interdisciplinary working group convened by Beth Coleman now accepting applications from PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
SRI faculty fellows advance interdisciplinary research on the social impacts of AI
The Schwartz Reisman Institute’s 2021–23 faculty fellows explored the social implications of new technologies, foregrounding the significance of ethics, equity, and human-centred values. Learn more about their research projects and how to apply for Schwartz Reisman fellowships.
Unlocking AI’s insights: SRI's “Artificial Intelligence is Here" course goes public
What do we need to do to ensure that artificial intelligence is built for public benefit? A recent course developed by the Schwartz Reisman Institute explains what AI is, where it’s headed, and what the public needs to know about it.
Regulatory gaps and democratic oversight: On AI and self-regulation
There are economic and political incentives for AI companies to create their own set of rules. Alyssa Wong explores the benefits and drawbacks of self-regulation in the tech industry, and highlights the ultimate need for democratic oversight to ensure accountability, transparency, and consideration of public interests.
What is the future of AI alignment?
At Absolutely Interdisciplinary 2023, Richard Sutton discussed the future of AI systems and whether they should always be aligned with human values. In a wide-ranging discussion with Blaise Agüera y Arcas and Gillian Hadfield, Sutton argued that it may be desirable—and even necessary—for us to one day grant autonomy to advanced AI agents.