Science and technology policy | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Science and technology policy

Urgent questions at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy are shaping nearly every aspect of our society. Science and technology policies shape the environment, transportation, communication, public safety, social services, and much more.

Scientific innovation, from development to regulation, has significant equity implications—a key point often disregarded in research and policy implementation. As the science and technology landscape evolves, we need policy professionals who can navigate the social, ethical, and economic implications of artificial intelligence, algorithms, big data, surveillance technology, nuclear energy, climate change, and more—and who can design policies that advance shared values and maximize public benefit.

From conducting rigorous research to providing real-world experiential learning opportunities to future policymakers, the Ford School is dedicated to shaping science and technology for the public good.

Our one-of-a-kind Science, Technology, and Public Policy program (STPP) applies a rigorous interdisciplinary lens and community wisdom to understand how emerging technologies affect marginalized communities and translate our findings to policymakers, engineers, scientists, and civil society to produce more equitable and just science, technology, and related policies. If you have any questions about the STPP Program, email [email protected].

How can we think more creatively to make sure that artificial intelligence achieves its potential but is not used to systematically harm people who are marginalized?"

Shobita Parthasarathy, Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program
Research insights

Growth of data centers requires new policies to mitigate local community impacts

A policy brief by STPP finds data centers have significant environmental and economic impacts on the surrounding community and recommends solutions for state lawmakers.
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Research insights

Hausman encourages updating electrical grids with modern technologies, including AI

Improving America’s energy infrastructure is a necessary step for utility companies struggling with more frequent and more intense extreme weather events brought on by climate change.
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Research insights

Facial recognition technology should be banned in schools

Parthasarathy's analysis finds that facial recognition exacerbates racism—and is not accurate.
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Student experience

Students research AI and surveillance regulation for pending Michigan legislation

Undergraduate and graduate students worked with Michigan lawmakers to develop potential legislation on workplace privacy and artificial intelligence surveillance.
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Student Experience

Q&A with SEAS and STPP's Olivia David

A SEAS PhD candidate and STPP certificate program graduate discusses her research on environmental justice and drinking water policy and gives advice to future students.
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Community Partners

Artificial Intelligence Handbook for Local Government

STPP together with the Michigan Municipal League published a handbook that provides concrete guidelines, best practices, sample applications, and risk assessment strategies that can help kickstart safe and effective AI adoption in local government.
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Alumni impact

Melvin Washington (MPP/STPP '18) on how sci/tech policy informs criminal justice reform

"Policymakers are not automatons that objectively evaluate data and make perfectly rational decisions. The way they react to the scientific findings we present to them is shaped by a combination of their own value judgements regarding specific forms of knowledge production, expertise, ethical mandates, and pragmatism."
Read Melvin's story


Podcasts

The Received Wisdom

Shobita Parthasarathy and Jack Stilgoe on science and technology in public policy.
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Resources Radio

Climate change, energy, ecosystems, and more, hosted by Daniel Raimi.
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