artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Trump Names David Sacks as AI Czar/PCAST Head
On December 4, President-elect Trump announced his plan to appoint tech venture capitalist and PayPal cofounder David Sacks to a new âAI czarâ position and advisor on cryptocurrency in the next Administration. The announcement also states that Sacks will lead the Presidentâs Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). While little more detail is known about Trumpâs plan for PCAST, the naming of Sacks as chair signals that the council will be maintained in Trumpâs second term. This is notable particularly because during Trumpâs first term, PCAST was not reconstituted until almost three years into his term. This is a developing story.
NSF Releases NAIRR Dear Colleague Letter for AI Research and Education
On November 15, the National Science Foundationâs (NSF) National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot released a Dear Colleague letter seeking datasets to âenable a broader set of researchers and educationsâ in artificial intelligence (AI) and foster the development of AI skills in educational environments (see previous COSSA coverage here). The deadline to submit datasets is February 7 and can be submitted here. Full details about the submission criteria and evaluation can be found here.
NASEM Seeking Experts for Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has put out a call for experts to serve on the Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication which seeks to engage all science communities in an equitable and evidence-based way. The Board of Science Education (BOSE) is looking for a diverse group of 4-5 people to serve on the committee with expertise in health/science communications, artificial intelligence (AI), psychology, sociology, and more. The announcement can be found here and the deadline to submit nominees is November 29. This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Paige Kirkham.
Congress Passes CR; Pushes Deadline to December 20
Last week, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to push the budget deadline of September 30 to December 20, allowing members to depart for the campaign trail in October. The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 9747) extended current fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending levels for the twelve-week interim. As previously reported by COSSA, the House attempted to attach the CR to a bill seeking to require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote during federal elections that did not receive support. With the deadline pushed to after the elections, itâs unclear whether Congress will return ready to draft the final appropriations…
DBASSE Hosts Second Webinar in 2024 Spring Hauser Webinar Series
On July 25, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicineâs Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) hosted the second webinar in their Hauser 2024 Spring Webinar Series titled, The Hauser Policy Impact Fund Webinar Series: Navigating the Era of Artificial Intelligence Part 2: The Role of Social Sciences. This webinar hosted a diverse panel of researchers on the importance of social science research while developing artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of policymakers in understanding AIâs potential benefits and harms. The panelists focused on AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities, the context in which AI…
NASEM Calls for Experts for AI and Climate Change Roundtable
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has released a call for experts for their new roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Climate Change that is intended to explore the intersection of these two topical issues. Particularly, NASEM is interested in experts in mathematics and statistics, human-centered AI, risk assessment and management, environment and public health, misinformation and disinformation, and more. A full list of topics can be found here. The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) is one of the collaborators working with the Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences on this roundtable and social and behavioral…
DBASSE Hosts First Webinar in 2024 Spring Hauser Webinar Series
On May 23, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicineâs Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) hosted the first of two webinars in their Hauser 2024 Spring Webinar Series titled, âNavigating the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Achieving Human-AI Harmony.â The webinar focused on the 2022 report titled Human-AI Teaming: State of the Art and Research Needs. The panel consisted of a diverse group of researchers from varying universities and organizations focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The panelists discussed changes in AI, including increased communication between real AI and humans, advancements in ethics of human-AI teaming, and ongoing…
Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group Releases Blueprint on AI Policy
The Bipartisan Senate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Mike Rounds, Senator Martin Heinrich, and Senator Todd Young, recently released a report, Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Policy in the United States Senate. As AI becomes a topical issue in virtually all aspects of life, the Senate working group held a series of forums dedicated to understanding the benefits and detriments of potential uses of AI technology prior to the release of this report (see COSSAâs previous coverage on AI). The report recommends committees continue to collaborate on…
PCAST Releases Report on Supercharging Research: Harnessing AI to Meet Global Challenges
The Presidentâs Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)âŻannouncedâŻa new report onâŻSupercharging Research: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Meet Global Challenges. The report was developed in response to President Bidenâs Executive Order on theâŻSafe, Secure, Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial IntelligenceâŻ(see previous COSSA coverage) and explores the positive and negative impacts of AI technologies. PCAST emphasizes the importance of AI being used as a tool, not a replacement, for workers. PCAST included the following recommendations for the Biden Administration in the report: The full report can be viewedâŻhereâŻin addition to PCASTâsâŻletterâŻto the President and the Executive Summary of…
DBASSE Announces Hauser 2024 Spring Webinar Series
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicineâs Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) has announced their Hauser 2024 Spring Webinar Series titled, “Navigating the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Achieving Human-AI Harmony“. The two-part webinar series will explore DBASSEâs expertise in artificial intelligence and highlight the value of social and behavioral science perspectives. This first webinar will expand on insights from the 2022 report,âŻHuman-AI Teaming: State-of-the-Art and Research Needs, to focus on how the presence of artificial intelligence systems affects the ways people work in teams. The session will explore the efficiencies and inefficiencies created by integrated…
NIJ Issues RFI on the Uses of AI in the Criminal Justice System
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) housed within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in the Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a request for information (RFI) on the future uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in the criminal justice system. In response to the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence Executive Order released by the Biden Administration in October 2023 (see previous COSSA coverage), NIJ seeks to understand the potential impacts of AI use in the criminal justice system to potentially influence a future report on the topic. Comments are requested by May 28 and should be emailed to [email protected].
Bipartisan Task Force on AI Launched
On February 20, a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was launched by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), signaling a step towards addressing the legislative challenges posed by the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Chaired by Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and co-chaired by Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA), the Task Force comprises 24 members from both parties, charged with producing a comprehensive report that includes guiding principles, recommendations, and policy proposals on AI. This initiative aims to bridge the legislative gap in AI regulation, ensuring the U.S. harnesses the benefits of AI while mitigating…
NSF Launches New National AI Research Resource Pilot
On January 24, the National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with various agencies, launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot. This initiative takes a first step towards creating a research infrastructure aimed at both strengthening and democratizing access to the essential resources required for responsible AI discovery and innovation. The NAIRR pilot is designed to equip U.S.-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing power, extensive datasets, sophisticated models, cutting-edge software, and comprehensive training and support. By fostering collaboration across academia, industry, the nonprofit sector, and government, the program intends to utilize cross-sector partnerships. According to NSF,…
Congressional Leaders Seek Clarity and Commitment in NIST AI Safety Research Funding
A bipartisan group of Congressional leaders has reached out to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeking clarity and commitment on the funding processes and research quality of the newly established Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI). The group, led by House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to the NIST Director to address concerns. Given the nascent and complex nature of AI safety research, the letter highlights the issues currently plaguing the field, including self-referential findings, lack of rigorous critique, and a general disagreement over scope, taxonomies, and…
Tess deBlanc-Knowles Appointed as Special Assistant to the Director for AI at NSF
On December 12, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the appointment of Tess deBlanc-Knowles as the new Special Assistant to the Director for Artificial Intelligence. Alongside this role, sheâll continue her duties within NSFâs Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships as Strategic Advisor for Technology Policy and Strategy. As a former OSTP Senior Policy Advisor, deBlanc-Knowles led policy efforts to strengthen the nation’s AI innovation by co-chairing the National AI Research Resource Task Force, oversaw the the National AI Research and Development Strategic Plan: 2023 Update and led the process in crafting the nation’s first strategy to advance privacy-enhancing technologies. Now, as the lead in the…
NSF Announces EducateAI for Nationwide AI Education
The National Science Foundation (NSF) launched EducateAI, an initiative aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) education across the United States. This program targets a broad audience, from K-12 to graduate students and adults seeking formal AI training. The initiative’s core objective is to empower educators and students with essential AI knowledge and skills, fostering an inclusive environment for learning about AI technology. The initiative’s first step involves publishing the EducateAI Dear Colleague Letter, calling for proposals that advance inclusive computing education and integrate innovative AI-focused curricula. Funded by NSF’s CISE and STEM Education directorates, the call for proposals seeks to develop comprehensive…
OMB Seeks Public Comment on AI Governance Memorandum
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced an open call for public comment on draft memorandum “Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).” This initiative seeks to establish new requirements for federal agencies in AI governance, innovation, and risk management. The proposed memorandum is designed to direct agencies towards adopting specific minimum risk management practices, particularly for AI applications that could impact public safety and individual rights. OMB encourages feedback on various aspects, such as recommending roles and responsibilities for Chief AI Officers across federal agencies, effective coordination methods for AI Governance Bodies,…
President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence
On October 10, President Biden unveiled a groundbreaking Executive Order (EO), setting the stage for the United States to lead in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while effectively managing its risks. This EO builds upon existing commitments from 15 major companies, showcasing a united front in the pursuit of safe and trustworthy AI development that addresses 8 critical areas: This EO represents a significant stride toward ensuring that AI development and use are safe, secure, and beneficial for all Americans. It addresses critical aspects ranging from safety and security to privacy, equity, and leadership on both domestic and international fronts….
White House Secures Commitments from Leading AI Companies for Safer AI Development
On July 21, the White House gathered seven of the worldâs leading AI companies, including Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI to gain consensus over the responsible development of AI. Reflecting the Administrationâs ongoing commitment to leverage AI’s potential without compromising Americans’ rights and safety, these companies agreed to operate by the standards that emphasize safety, security, and trust in AI. This initiative showcases a collective understanding that AI’s benefits should not come at the expense of fundamental rights. In line with the announcement, the Administration has been actively consulting international allies, aiming for a globally coordinated approach to AI. Countries…
House Science Committee Holds Hearing on Advancing AI
On June 22, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing titled, “Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Innovation Towards the National Interest.” The hearing focused on the ethical implications of AI, the importance of responsible AI governance, and how increased public participation in AI oversight can steer the technology towards reflecting our national values. A primary recommendation that emerged during the hearing was the use of âred teaming;â that is, involving independent third-party experts who are given access to company AI systems to identify and address flaws. Dr. Dewey Murdick, Executive Director of the Center for Security and Emerging Technology…