AI4Good - The Ethical and Societal Implications of using AI in Scientific Discovery

Abstract

This year the AI3SD Network+ (Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Intelligence for Automated Investigations for Scientific Discovery) will be running a workshop at the WebSci ’20 Conference in Southampton, UK. Artificial and Augmented Intelligence systems have the potential to make a real difference in the scientific discovery domain however this brings a new wealth of ethical and societal implications to consider with regards to this research (e.g. human enhancement, algorithmic biases, risk of detriment). This workshop looks to explore the ethical and societal issues centered around using intelligent technologies (Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Intelligence, Machine Learning, and in general Semantic Web Knowledge Technologies) to further scientific discovery, with a strong consideration of data ethics and algorithmic accountability. Advances in technology and software are rarely inherently bad in themselves, however that unfortunately does not preclude them from being subverted to ill intent by others; furthermore, as demonstrated by the examples above, even an unintentional lack of care towards ethical codes and algorithmic accountability can lead to societal and ethical implications of scientific discovery. It is our responsibility as researchers to consider these issues in our research; are we conducting studies ethically? What ethical codes can we put in place for scientific discovery research to mitigate against ethical and societal issues. These are really important issues, and they require an interdisciplinary focus between scientists, social scientists and technical experts in order to be comprehensively addressed. AI4Good is a day long workshop including five keynotes, discussion sessions and an interactive activity. The first keynote is from Dr Will McNeill, from the University of Southampton. Will is a lecturer in Philosophy, and he will speak about Ethical Frameworks and Ethical Judgements. The second keynote will be given by Dr Cian O’Donnovan, a Researcher at UCL. Cian’s research is based on understanding how the benefits of emerging technologies can best contribute to a flourishing world. Cian’s talk will be on AI Ethics from the Ground Up: Cultivating Capabilities for Care. The third keynote will be given by Jacqui Ayling, a PhD Student at the University of Southampton. Jacqui’s PhD is on the topic of researching data protection and innovation in smart cities. She will be talking about Data Ethics for AI & Algorithmic Accountability. The fourth keynote will be given by Dr Peter Craigon from the University of Nottingham. Peter is a Research Fellow specialising in Ethics, and his talk will focus on the Moral IT Cards that he has developed. The final keynote will be given by Dr Samantha Kanza, an Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton. Samantha coordinates the AI for Scientific Discovery Network and developed a keen interest in the ethical and societal issues of technology whilst completing her PhD in Web Science. She will be presenting on Ethics for AI for Scientific Discovery.