Last weekend the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at AUBG hosted a planning workshop for the project AI Aware Universities: Empowering University Communities for the Ethical Use of AI, a collaborative effort aimed at establishing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in academic settings.
Representatives from Central European University, Bard College Berlin, European Humanities University, Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts, and LCC International University joined their AUBG counterparts for this innovative project. The project utilizes deliberative democracy processes involving a “bottom-up” approach, where students from all six universities will participate in discussions along with faculty and experts to identify both the opportunities and potential risks associated with AI use in academia. These discussions will culminate in a set of recommendations designed to create a safe, equitable and ethical framework for AI use at the participating universities.
“By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive dialogue, we aim to set new standards for policy formulation and the responsible use of emerging technologies” said Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, CIDC Executive Director. “This initiative has the potential to serve as a model for universities throughout Europe and beyond, as there is currently no other trans-university strategy for ethical AI use built through student participation.”
The project planning workshop focused on establishing a collaborative network, a project plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework. This included defining clear roles for each university’s team, setting communication channels, and outlining a timeline for deliverables.
“I cannot envision a superior process,” said prof. Chris Howard, Academic Vice President of LCC. “To truly achieve something meaningful, it must stem from our entire community. I eagerly anticipate the outcome of this journey, where we may forge a consensus that resonates fully with students and faculty alike. This is a collective effort, involving our entire community, not merely one stakeholder. I am filled with hope.”
This kick-off meeting signifies a crucial first step towards a shared vision for the responsible use of AI in universities. Through collaboration and student participation, the AI Aware Universities Project has the potential to establish a valuable model for ethical AI use in academia around the world.
The project is part of the Digital Democracy Accelerator led by People Powered and funded by the Open Science Framework (OSF). A first-of-its-kind program, it aims to support participatory democracy initiatives that empower citizens to shape digital policy issues related to security, privacy, equity, and ethics.
