Fairfield Leads NSF-Funded AI Ethics Collaborative Research Project

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world, offering unprecedented opportunities while simultaneously introducing complex ethical dilemmas. As AI systems become more autonomous and integrated into daily life, the critical question isn't just what AI can do, but what it should do. How do we ensure these powerful technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, securely, and ethically?

Fairfield University is stepping up to this challenge, leading a significant three-year collaborative research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This initiative, receiving nearly $400,000 in grants across Fairfield and its partner institutions, aims to embed robust ethical considerations directly into the core of AI education for future computer science professionals.

Pioneering Responsible AI Development

At the heart of this project is Dr. Sidike Paheding, chair and associate professor of Computer Science in Fairfield’s School of Engineering and Computing, who serves as the principal investigator. Collaborating with experts from Indiana Tech and Prairie View A&M, and with Dr. David Schmidt, associate professor of management from Fairfield’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the team is dedicated to fostering a new generation of AI developers.

Dr. Paheding emphasizes the project's core mission: “We aim to advance AI education and promote responsible AI development and use. By enhancing AI education, we seek to foster safer, more secure, and trustworthy AI technologies.” This reflects a proactive approach to ensuring that technological progress is always aligned with human values and societal well-being.

Integrating Ethics into Technical Training

The integration of ethical discourse into technical curricula is paramount. As Dr. Schmidt rightly points out, “Among its many challenges, AI poses significant ethical issues that need to be addressed in computer science courses. This project will give faculty practical, hands-on teaching tools to explore these issues with their students.” This initiative directly tackles the gap where technical skills often outpace ethical understanding.

Practical Tools for Ethical Decision-Making

To achieve its ambitious goals, the project will develop an innovative pedagogical strategy. This includes fostering dynamic classroom discussions centered on real-world AI ethics case studies. The team will also create an open-access repository of these case studies, providing students and educators with invaluable resources for practical, hands-on learning. Furthermore, gamified learning modules for AI courses will be developed, making complex ethical considerations engaging and accessible.

These methods are designed to move beyond abstract discussions, equipping students with concrete frameworks and decision-making tools they can apply immediately in their careers. The objective is to build a foundation where ethical thought is an inherent part of the AI design and development process, not an afterthought.

Fairfield's Commitment to Ethical Innovation

This NSF-funded project aligns seamlessly with Fairfield University’s deep-rooted Jesuit Catholic mission, which centers on forming individuals who serve others. By integrating ethical considerations into AI curricula, the University is acting on its commitment to foster the design and development of responsible and secure AI systems that benefit the national interest and global community.

Fairfield is already a hub for ethical inquiry and technological innovation, home to the Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics and the Charles F. Dolan School of Business’s AI and Technology Institute. These existing initiatives provide fertile ground for the insights generated by the NSF project to flourish, creating a powerful ecosystem for responsible AI leadership.

Shape the Future of AI with Integrity

The future of AI hinges on our ability to navigate its ethical landscape with foresight and integrity. This project represents a crucial step in preparing the next generation of technologists to build AI that is not only intelligent but also wise, just, and humane. It calls on all of us – educators, students, and industry leaders – to engage deeply with the ethical implications of AI and commit to its responsible evolution.

Consider how you can contribute to or champion ethical AI development. Whether through continued learning, advocating for responsible practices, or simply reflecting on the impact of AI in your own life, every action contributes to shaping a more trustworthy technological future.