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
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Shobita Parthasarathy
“Equity is a particularly serious problem. Based largely on Anglo-American data, the technology reproduces historical and cultural—and often racial—biases. It relies on the labor of poorly paid workers, often in low-income countries, to categorize and label data and often violent social media posts. And its design and functions tend to reflect the priorities of those building them—a particularly homogenous group.”
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