The Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Future of Life Initiative

The Tech+Human Rights Fellowship is part of a new Carr Center for Human Rights Policy initiative to examine how technological advances over the next several decades will affect the future of human life, as well as the protections provided by the human rights framework. 

The core tenet of human rights is that power be used to protect and advance the rights of the most vulnerable, and while new technologies can help achieve these goals, there are dangers and challenges in the near and long term, ranging from algorithmic bias to the rise of fake news to even the creation of sentient beings that challenge our notion of what is human.  Looking forward, there are technological innovations under way and on the horizon that will raise ethical and policy considerations and dilemmas and will have impact on a range of human activities, as well as the human body and mind.

The Center seeks to attract a diverse group of fellows from different disciplines and sectors who would like to design and develop a research project salient to their own expertise and the concerns of the Center.  Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with each other and must participate in periodic Zoom calls with Carr Center faculty and other experts.  Papers prepared by fellows will be published by the Carr Center and promoted by the Center, and other projects of a more practical or applied nature will be presented to a cross-section of experts who will give feedback and ideas for strengthening. 

The Tech+Human Rights Fellowship is an unpaid, non-residential fellowship for one year.  Fellows are expected to come to Cambridge, MA once per semester to learn from each other, share their work in progress with the Carr Center and the broader Kennedy School community, and participate as appropriate in presentations, trainings, or workshops.  Travel subsidies are available for those who need assistance.  Access to shared office space is also available for those who are based in the Cambridge / Boston area or who may be on a sabbatical or professional leave during this period.

• Resume
• Project proposal that outlines the background or context, the nature of the problem, the time horizon for the problem, the proposed nature of your research project or intervention (including how it fits with the Carr Center’s work), the anticipated impact, and your qualifications (up to 3 pages)
• Executive summary of proposal (up to 200 words)
• 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your ability to complete the proposed project
• Relevant writing sample (up to 5 pages)