Southeastern Michigan University (SMICH) is pleased to announce the opening of its Center for Ethics in Technology and Society, a cutting-edge research and education initiative aimed at addressing the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The center will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), automation, data privacy, and other technological advancements that are transforming various aspects of society.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, questions about ethics, fairness, and societal impact have become more urgent. SMICH is leading the way in fostering thoughtful discussion and responsible action in the development and use of new technologies. The Center for Ethics in Technology and Society will facilitate interdisciplinary research and provide a platform for collaboration among scholars, students, policymakers, and industry leaders.
As new technologies such as AI and automation become more prevalent, concerns about their societal effects—including job displacement, data security, and algorithmic bias—have grown. SMICH’s Center for Ethics in Technology and Society will take a multidisciplinary approach to addressing these challenges, promoting innovation that prioritizes the public good.
“We believe that technology can bring tremendous benefits, but only when used responsibly,” said Dr. Emily Patterson, Director of the center. “This center will explore how we can harness the power of technology while ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront.”
• Interdisciplinary Research: Scholars from diverse academic fields—computer science, philosophy, law, and sociology—will collaborate to explore critical issues like AI ethics, data privacy, and automation’s impact on employment.
• Curriculum Integration: The university will introduce ethics and technology courses, providing students with the knowledge to understand the ethical implications of their work. Workshops and seminars will also be offered to industry professionals.
• Community Engagement: SMICH will organize public forums and discussions with local and global leaders in technology, academia, and policy to explore the societal impacts of technological advances and develop solutions.
• Partnerships with Industry: By collaborating with tech companies and policymakers, the center will ensure that ethical principles are applied to real-world technological innovations.
One of the core missions of the center is to equip students with both the technical skills and the ethical frameworks needed to navigate the rapidly changing tech industry. Students will have opportunities to participate in internships and research projects that tackle real-world ethical dilemmas in technology.
“Our students are the future decision-makers and innovators,” said Dr. Patterson. “Through hands-on experience, they will learn how to integrate ethics into their work from the very beginning.”
The center aims to engage with global institutions to promote responsible technological development on an international scale. SMICH is already collaborating with universities, NGOs, and governmental organizations around the world to develop global standards for ethical technology use.
A key focus of the center’s work will be ensuring that technology serves everyone equitably, especially underserved and marginalized communities. By addressing these inequities, SMICH seeks to make technological innovation a force for social good.
The opening of the Center for Ethics in Technology and Society will be celebrated on October 20, 2024, with a special event featuring prominent voices from the tech industry, academia, and government. The event will include discussions on the ethical challenges of AI, the role of automation in the future of work, and strategies for safeguarding data privacy.
Moving forward, the center plans to expand its research capabilities, increase student involvement, and contribute to broader discussions on ethics and public policy in technology.
