Artificial intelligence algorithms and systems are becoming increasingly integrated with our society, automating tasks and assisting humans with decisions. This deep integration of AI and humans have broad implications for both the well-being of individuals and the health of our society. Moving forward, the AI group at the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science envision research, teaching and community building activities that tightly integrate fundamental scientific research, their application to immediate societal problems, and careful consideration of the ethical and societal implications of such innovation.
We offer an overview of our research activities in societal AI, including a [PDF document] that was produced in Fall 2017. We also provide individual summaries of the interests of each of the faculty members in our group who are working on societal AI. A list of the AI Group's recent teaching activities related to societal AI provides further detail on our efforts to train and educate. It is important for various public and private sector organizations to have an investment today in societal AI and the Related Links on this page point to two useful documents on the value of this topic for industry.
Cheriton School of Computer Science alumnus Sam Pasupalak is a noted example of someone who has succeeded in industry and for whom the social value of artificial intelligence is especially important. The Pasupalak AI Fellowship awarded to AI Group faculty member Kate Larson will enable her to expand her current research endeavours, including those related to AI for Social Good.