Connecting society-changing research with policymakers
The Block Center at Carnegie Mellon University addresses societal problems at the intersection of social sciences and technology.
AI, robotics, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing have profoundly impacted our society, economy, and daily lives. Yet automation is displacing workers across many industries. Algorithms are driving decision-making in powerful, unseen (and unforeseen) ways. New platforms and networks are reshaping how we view and engage with our world.
The Block Center seeks out results-oriented projects that align with our three focus areas: how emerging technologies will alter the future of work, how AI and analytics can be harnessed for social good, and how innovation in these spaces can be more inclusive and improve quality of life for all. We then support work that shows the greatest promise for delivering actionable policy impact.
The Block Center is hiring an Executive Director!
Reporting to the Dean of Heinz College and Block Center Faculty Director, the Executive Director will run the day-to-day operations of the Center, which boasts almost 100 affiliated faculty members. The Executive Director will manage a small but dedicated team and collaborate with staff, faculty leadership, external advisors, and a large network of partners to set strategy, track goals, and grow the Center’s reach. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is entrepreneurial, passionate about the social and policy impacts of technological change, and has a leadership background in a policy, think tank, nonprofit, or business setting, and with operational or communications experience.Focus Areas
The Future of Work
How will technology change the nature of work? What types of jobs will no longer be done by humans? Who is at risk of being left behind?
Artificial Intelligence & Analytics For Good
How can artificial intelligence and analytics increase justice and reduce inequality? Can we design algorithms which are transparent and fair? How do we design machines that are worthy of our trust?
Seeding Societal Futures
How can technology be used to reskill displaced workers? What new work opportunities will technology create? What solutions can we create to alleviate human suffering?
U.S. Department of Commerce appoints Block Center Faculty Director Dr. Ramayya Krishnan to National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee
Using Data-Driven Tools to Help Reopen the PA Economy
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has partnered with CMU to make informed, data-driven economic and public health decisions.
PPE, Elastic, and the Ability to Pivot
Professor Erica Fuchs testifies to the House Ways and Means Committee on maintaining critical supply chains during COVID-19.
Critical Technologies for a Post-Covid-19 World
Considerations for restarting a more resilient and robust U.S. economy during and after the pandemic.
Examining Ways to Reduce AI Bias
In a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee, professor Rayid Ghani discusses equitable systems for algorithmic decision-making.
Past Event Highlights
Panel: Professors Jodi Forlizzi and Nikolas Martelaro with UNITE HERE, TWU, and ATU at the 29th AFL-CIO National Convention
Keith Block delivers one of the keynote addresses at the Intersect@CMU conference on February 10, 2022.
Drs. Jose Marie-Griffiths, Belinda Miles, and Majd Sakr discuss how to prepare the U.S. workforce for jobs in AI and other technologies based on recommendations from the National Security Commission on AI's final report.
Faculty Discussion: The Future of Work - Moderated by Block Center Faculty Director Dean Ramayya Krishnan
A Policy Maker's Guide to AI
Artificial intelligence has the potential to help ensure more people get the services they need. But in order for these systems to be both effective and fair, they need to be developed with community input and values in mind. Our Executive Director Scott Andes discusses strategies for promoting safe, effective and equitable scale in the deployment of AI in local and state governments. Read the report now.
NSF Funds Block Center Projects
Tracking the effects of emerging technologies on manufacturing industries. Re-skilling marginalized workers for the digital economy. Helping low-income mothers get to work. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here, and we're making sure no one is left behind. Learn more about our three projects funded by the National Science Foundation.
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