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Northwestern University

Machine Learning Impact Initiative

Understanding the Human Impact of Machine Learning

About the Initiative

The Northwestern University Machine Learning Impact Initiative aims to bring together a diverse network of researchers and professionals to explore the potential impacts of machine learning on human health and safety. The initiative draws upon Northwestern's leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), and supports the development of a clear roadmap for research into issues of safety and impact in the digital age.

The Machine Learning Impact Initiative is a Northwestern Engineering project
sponsored by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Northwestern Engineering logo                   Underwriters Laboratories Inc logo

Our Mission

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are drastically changing the way we function in the digital world. In many areas, these technologies are moving faster than our efforts to understand them or their implications. With issues of security, fairness, privacy, bias, and performance, we have only begun to explore how to test, evaluate, and manage how these technologies impact human health and safety. Our mission is to understand the impact on humanity and individual human lives.

Neural network visualization on a city landscape

Technology

We research the inherent risks, hazards, and issue areas within AI and machine learning.
Machine learning applied to medicine

Application

We study the risks, hazards, and issue areas of application of the technology to specific disciplines or areas of life.
Kris Hammond presenting in a classroom

Impact

We explore where the impact of AI and machine learning may be greatest to human health and societal safety.

Research

We aim to create a sustainable network of researchers engaged in exploring the human impact of machine learning, and to publish a research roadmap white paper that will outline the necessary focus areas for further study on how best to harness machine learning technology to be safe and effective for all.

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Join Us

Find out how you can contribute to this important dialogue or share research findings on the human impact of machine learning.

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Affiliated Northwestern Initiatives

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