Issues in Science and Technology

“If we are concerned by equity in the age of AI,” write Shobita Parthasarathy and Jared Lee Katzman, “shouldn’t those with the most at stake have an important role in shaping the governance agenda?”

Governments are increasingly procuring and relying on AI tools for applications that can upend people's lives, from criminal investigations to social welfare screening. At the same time, the lack of strict procurement provisions means that AI systems often aren't properly assessed before being implemented, which can have serious consequences for those impacted by decisions made using AI. A new Issues in Science and Technology essay provides guidance to help ensure that AI vendors are transparent and thorough and that governments consider the human rights implications of new AI systems. Read at https://ow.ly/MzKo50SxVmw. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIEthics #ResponsibleAI

While there is a growing consensus on the challenges of artificial intelligence and the opportunities it offers, there is less agreement over necessary #AI guardrails. Urs Gasser surveys different approaches to AI regulation and discovers patterns that may help to govern this evolving technology intelligently.

“Our vision for the Large Nature Model goes beyond being a repository or a creative research initiative,” says Refik Anadol. “It is a tool for insight, education, and advocacy for the shared environment of humanity.” Read more about his studio’s work at the intersection of nature and #AI.

Mounting evidence indicates that the output of artificial intelligence models exacerbates social inequity and injustice. Shobita Parthasarathy and Jared Lee Katzman outline how funders, universities, developers, and the government can address these problems and ensure that #AI tools benefit all of society.

In the Summer 2024 Issues in Science and Technology, Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter discusses how physics and music inform each other, how the culture of science encourages sticking with problems, and the sources of his optimism.

Regional #STEM alliances “can contribute to the development of a better civic society that fosters informed, engaged, and socially responsible citizens,” argues Jim Short. Read his and other responses to Susan Rundell Singer, Heidi Schweingruber, and Kerry Brenner’s essay on how to boost science education with regional alliances.

"On a scale of 1-to-100 how much do you miss the Office of Technology Assessment?" Issues in Science and Technology put this humorous question in our survey on #WhoDoesSciencePolicy at the suggestion of editor Kelsey Schoenberg, who noticed how often the community referred to the OTA, even though it ceased to exist before she was born. So far, more than 500 colleagues have taken the survey. And some have followed up with letters: "I'd have said 100, but shaved it a bit." In mid June word came that the OTA had gotten a shout out in the 2025 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill. It lives! Share your thoughts on all things S&T policy by taking the survey before it closes on August 15. https://issues.org/survey

Although molecular research in medicine produces valuable science, Sindy Escobar Alvarez and Sam Gill argue that directing most medical research funding to etiologically focused proposals “is likely sidelining other kinds of vital innovation—particularly innovation in how to prevent disease, care for patients, and implement health services and disease treatments.”

Technologies based on RNA—DNA’s less famous cousin—could lead to innovations in biology, medicine, agriculture, and beyond, but researchers have only scratched the surface of understanding what RNA is capable of. On the latest episode of #TheOngoingTransformation, host Monya Baker is joined by Lydia M. Contreras, PhD, professor of chemical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, to discuss what RNA is and the challenges and potential of efforts to better understand it.