AI research in the social sciences
The social sciences, much like the arts and humanities, play a vital role in shaping how AI is developed, implemented, and integrated into society. Their contribution helps ensure that technology serves human values rather than undermining them.
Susan Oman & Denis Newman-Griffis - Constant washing machine - artwork response to responsible AI
We invited participants in the FRAIM project – as researchers, curators and industry partners – to select a word or short phrase that they consider vital for Responsible AI and then have their portrait taken. We then created a limited edition of bars of plain white soap, each bar bearing that word or phrase. Launch Video
Kate Miltner - Reimagining Trustworthy Autonomous Systems with Disabled Young People animation
“For those of you who use ChatGPT, don’t forget to turn off the “make the model better for everyone” setting if you’re going to make an AI doll/action figure of yourself…”
Kate Miltner - AI Fringe panel focused on the contributions of the SHAPE disciplines to the study of AI
In this session the panel, organised by the British Academy, will explore the role of the social sciences, humanities and the arts (the ‘SHAPE’ disciplines) in delivering evidence, methods and insights that can help ensure AI policies are aligned with the public interest. Featuring: Dr Kate Miltner, Lecturer in Data, AI & Society, University of Sheffield
Jo Bates, Helen Kennedy, Itzelle Medina Perea, Monika Fratczak - Patterns in Practice (AHRC project)
Patterns in Practice, led by Jo Bates based at the University of Sheffield Information School, explores how practitioners’ beliefs, values, feelings and emotions interact to shape how they engage with and in data mining and machine learning – forms of ‘narrow AI’.
We collaborated with Otis Mensah, musician/writer and the first Poet Laureate of Sheffield, and ENON Films to produce a short storytelling performance in response to early findings of our first case study, which explores how data scientists’ beliefs, values and feelings interact to shape how they engage with AI techniques to inform drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry.
This mini-series will explore how our beliefs, values, and feelings interact to shape our engagement with artificial intelligence. Patterns in Practice podcast.
Dr Preeti Raghunath - Sheffield and AI Growth Zones
Dr Preeti Raghunath represents the University of Sheffield at the Sheffield Digital Policy Roundtables. A new initiative bringing together voices from the local tech industry, education, government, and innovation sectors to help shape the region’s response to fast-moving national and regional digital policy.
Susan Oman - BBC Science Cafe
Dr Susan Oman speaks to BBC Radio Wales about how the arts, public engagement, and interdisciplinary research are shaping more responsible approaches to AI.
Susan Oman - A Digital Strategy for the UK Cultural Sector
Researcher Susan Oman spent two years embedded within DCMS on a policy fellowship. Here they explain why the resultant digital policy recommendations depend on shared understanding.
Susan Oman - Understanding, Well-being and Data
Building on Dr Susan Oman’s research, Understanding Well-being Data is an digital exhibition, including three animations that explore these questions. The videos help you question assumptions that have underpinned centuries of social science, statistical and policy work, considering how well-being data work for politicians, scientists, key thinkers – and us all.