On Monday, Stanford University announced the formation of a new research institute to study and develop artificial intelligence technologies and applications that center around humans.
The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), created through partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations, and industry, will aim to improve the human condition by elevating current artificial intelligence research and policies.
More than 200 faculty members from the university’s seven schools will initially participate in the institute when it launches. University officials are also planning to hire at least 20 new faculty members, including 10 junior fellows, from the fields of humanities, engineering, medicine, the arts or the basic sciences.
“Now is our opportunity to shape that future by putting humanists and social scientists alongside people who are developing artificial intelligence,” Stanford president Marc Tessier-Lavigne said.
“This approach aligns with Stanford’s founding purpose to produce knowledge for the betterment of humanity. I am deeply thankful to our supporters who are providing foundational funding for the institute, which is a critical element for our vision for the future of Stanford University.”
The institute will primarily focus on multidisciplinary collaboration and diversity of thought by reaching out to members of the AI community across the world and working for a better future through its utilization.
John Etchemendy, professor of philosophy, and Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science, have been appointed by university administrators to lead the new institute.
