By Youmichl
At the intersection of technology and ethics, the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS) is forging new pathways in the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). Faced with AI’s potential to reshape the economy, human lives, advancements of the society, and global security, MIDAS researchers are committed to aligning technological growth with human rights, safety, societal values, and policy integrity.
Supporting MIDAS’s ambitious agenda, Microsoft is contributing over half a million dollars in resources which will fuel a diverse slate of research projects. “Core to our mission at Microsoft of advancing AI responsibly is to encourage innovative ideas, spur dialogue, and promote socio-technical approaches to AI development, policy, and governance. We are pleased to support MIDAS and the University of Michigan in this effort.” said Senior Director at Microsoft’s Office of Responsible AI Daniel Kluttz.
These projects will focus on enhancing AI policy, developing technical solutions for regulatory compliance, and evaluating AI’s societal impact. As part of the MIDAS Propelling Original Data Science (PODS) programme, this financial support endorses a comprehensive exploration of policies on current and emerging AI technologies.
“U-M and Microsoft are intensifying our combined efforts in research and workforce development,” said vice president for information technology and chief information officer at U-M Ravi Pendse.
“By integrating advanced AI systems like UMGPT and Maizey across our university, we are setting a benchmark for strategic academic-industry collaboration. This gift signifies the expansion of U-M collaboration with Microsoft in a highly strategic direction.”
This ambitious endeavor demonstrates how MIDAS, with the support of Microsoft, is charting the course for the responsible advancement of AI technology. It underscores a crucial dialogue across sectors that promises to drive advancements while ensuring AI remains a force for positive change.
Director, Microsoft Tech for Fundamental Rights Elizabeth Bruce adds, “Universities and research institutions are critical to advancing AI and innovation. This work is exemplary of our shared goal to increase access to emerging technologies to better understand potential harms and mitigations and build a more sustainable and equitable society.”
Later this year, MIDAS will work with Microsoft to convene leading academic researchers as well as AI developers, users and policy makers to develop a roadmap for cross-sector collaboration to address key issues in AI policy and maximize AI’s contribution to scientific research and discovery. Through such activities, MIDAS and U-M will play a critical role in developing an informed, ethical approach to integrating AI technologies into our daily lives.
