In an era of rapid technological advancement, ensuring that innovation benefits everyone is urgent. Shobita Parthasarathy, professor and director of the Ford School’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy program, studies how technological innovation and related public policies can exacerbate social inequality and injustice, and what can be done to address such problems.
Parthasarathy’s work has earned her an invitation to spend her 2025-2026 sabbatical year as a Member of the prestigious Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), a research institute based in Princeton, New Jersey with a distinguished history that includes 35 Nobel Laureates, including Albert Einstein. Each year, IAS’s four Schools–Historical Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Science–together invite approximately 200 scholars from around the world to spend the year on its campus, to engage with one another and IAS’s 30 permanent faculty while pursuing their own research. Parthasarathy will be based in IAS’s School of Social Science, where next year’s theme, “Digital (In)Equality”, fits closely with her interests. Led by IAS Professor Alondra Nelson, who spoke at the Ford School Dean’s Symposium last April, the 20 Members of the School of Social Science will explore questions such as, “What is the relationship between algorithmic bias and digital inequality?” and “How do digital technologies expand and limit the exercise of rights claims and the possibilities for civic participation?”
Parthasarathy will spend the year completing her third book on the politics of “inclusive innovation,” a type of “tech for good” that leverages innovation and the marketplace to solve global poverty and inequality. The book focuses on inclusive innovations to improve sanitation and menstrual health and hygiene in India, a country that has long viewed technology as the route not just to development, but to empowerment. She will also continue research projects that aim to reimagine AI innovation processes to advance social equity and justice.
Parthasarathy reflected, “I am deeply honored to be selected as a Member of the Institute for Advanced Study for the next academic year, and excited to focus on finishing my book and other projects! I am also eager to immerse myself in what I understand is an ‘intellectual summer camp’ of sorts, especially given next year’s focus on digital inequalities.”
Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes remarked, “Shobita’s selection as an IAS Member underscores the impact and reach of her research on inequalities in innovation and their implications for society and public policy. We are so proud of her achievements and the recognition that she consistently brings to the Ford School.”
