The New York Academy of Sciences Launches New Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence and Society with Arizona State University

Merging technical AI research with the social sciences and humanities, the program aims to inform the future use of AI for the benefit of humankind.

In response to the urgent need to incorporate ethical and humanistic principles into the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI), The New York Academy of Sciences has partnered with Arizona State University’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society to launch an AI and Society post-doctoral fellowship program. Merging technical AI research with perspectives from the social sciences and humanities, the program’s goal is to develop a new generation of multidisciplinary scholars prepared to inform the future use of AI in society for the benefit of humankind.

“The New York Academy of Sciences is thrilled to launch this unique partnership with Arizona State University, where much of the pioneering research in this field is being conducted,” said Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences. “AI is transforming our society at lightning speed. It is essential, however, that we work to better understand the range and nature of AI’s impact and what we can do to anticipate, and then navigate, the many ethical, regulatory, and governance questions that we have only recently begun to comprehend and debate, even as we press forward with leveraging AI’s benefits,” he added.

“ASU is very excited to join with The New York Academy of Sciences for this fellowship,” said David Guston, professor and founding director of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society. “Our goal is to create a powerhouse of trainees, mentors, ideas, and resources to develop the next generation of AI researchers poised to produce ethical, humanistic AI applications to promote science for the greater good” he added.

Recruiting Promising Young Researchers

Beginning in September 2023, this program will recruit promising young researchers from disciplines spanning computer science, the social sciences, and the humanities to participate in a curated research program housed at the Academy. Fellows’ time will be shared between New York City, Arizona State University, and on-site internships, with seasoned researchers who are well-versed in academia, industry, or policy work.

To qualify, candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as computer science, artificial intelligence, psychology, philosophy, sociology, ethics, law (JD), or a related field. Strong research background and expertise in the field of AI and Society, including publications in leading academic journals, is recommended.

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