Recruitment Materials

Bridging AI and Ethics in Biomedical Research

Overview

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) seeks to build a multi-disciplinary community of stakeholders interested in the social implications of technology that can help bridge the gap between artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics in biomedicine to advance the NIH mission. The overarching goal is to bring together a diverse cross-section of scientists, social scientists, ethicists, patient advocates, legal scholars, communicators, and artists to identify important areas of consideration and problem-solving strategies at the intersection of AI, machine learning (ML), biomedical and behavioral sciences, and ethics. By forging new collaborations among these cross-disciplinary groups, the NIH seeks to identify the benefits, risks, and future directions in biomedical AI that align with the public interest and ensure equitable health benefits for all communities.

Micro Lab #1

Wednesday Dec 15^th, 2021, 2-4pm EST

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are a collection of data-driven technologies with the potential to significantly advance scientific research but that have also been shown to hinder social justice and equity. Therefore, a strategic and thoughtful approach is needed to promote the ethical use of AI in research that minimizes harm and exploitation of participants and protects patient rights while generating knowledge for the benefit of all of society.

The NIH Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) seeks to draw on diverse perspectives and expertise to identify important areas of consideration at the intersection of AI/ML, biomedical and behavioral sciences, and ethics. The purpose of this Micro Lab is to identify the relevant stakeholders and contributors to further discussion about the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI/ML in biomedicine to advance NIH mission goals, including addressing the impacts of these technologies on disadvantaged or marginalized groups and health disparities. In this Micro Lab, a broad selection of participants will engage in interactive discussions to help shape the conversation about AI/ML ethics in the biomedical and behavioral sciences at the NIH.

This first Micro Lab will build towards a second Micro Lab hosted by ODSS. Participants from Micro Lab 1 are welcome to register and participate in Micro Lab 2.

Micro Lab #2

Wednesday Jan 12^th, 2022 2-4pm EST

The NIH Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) seeks to draw on diverse perspectives and convene experts in AI/ML, biomedical and behavioral sciences, and ethics to identify problem solving strategies and future directions in biomedical AI/ML that align with NIH’s goals with respect to the public interest, research, and health equity. In this Micro Lab, an expanded community of participants from cross-disciplinary backgrounds will address questions that are exciting, innovative, and far-reaching to imagine the future opportunities and challenges in biomedical AI ethics.

Individuals interested in attending Micro Lab 2 need not have attended Micro Lab 1.

Who Should Attend

Researchers, experts, and those interested in the intersection of technology and society with both

1) a commitment to fully engage in interactive discussions during the Micro Lab and

2) expertise or experience in relevant fields including but not limited to biomedical and behavioral sciences, computer or data sciences, AI/ML, social sciences (e.g., philosophy, policy, law, history, BIPOC studies), and communications.

If you have a stake in who benefits from understanding and using AI and ML in biomedical and behavioral sciences, are interested in addressing health equity or the responsible and ethical use of AI technology, or you are a critical and creative thinker who enjoys problem solving with others and considering diverse perspectives and approaches, then please consider applying for this opportunity. Please be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your work and collaboration experiences, your research focus, and your interest in the Micro Lab. Applications will be reviewed internally and submitted information will be kept secure to the extent permitted by law. Please share this information with any colleagues you think may be interested.

The NIH welcomes early-career stage researchers and fellows, including post-docs; experts in industry, government, or the non-profit space who are interested in the social implications of technology; filmmakers, novelists, artists, or individuals from other creative fields who explore the intersection of society and technology to apply. We are most interested in novel and innovative ideas that arise from new collaborations among people of diverse backgrounds, expertise, and approaches. All participants should be willing to actively engage in interdisciplinary discussion and collaborate in a collegial and professional manner. To facilitate open sharing, all meeting discussions will be considered a private communication not to be shared outside of the meeting unless approved by the contributor.

How To Attend

Individuals interested in attending Micro Lab 1 should apply at [WEBLINK] by 8:00am EST on Monday, December 6^th, 2021. Registration will be capped at 100 participants, and participants will be invited by the meeting organizers to ensure diverse perspectives and to balance levels of expertise and disciplines. Participants will be notified by XX.

Individuals interested in attending Micro Lab 2 should apply at [WEBLINK] by 5:00pm EST on Friday, December 31^st, 2021. Registration will be capped at 200 participants, and participants will be invited by the meeting organizers to ensure diverse perspectives and to balance levels of expertise and disciplines. Participants will be notified by XX.