Brian Hedden named co-associate dean of Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing

2026-02-04 · Source: MIT News - Artificial intelligence · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Ethics & Responsible Computing · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Brian Hedden, PhD ’12, has been appointed co-associate dean of the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) at MIT, effective January 16. Hedden, a professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy with a shared position in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), joins Nikos Trichakis in leading SERC, a cross-cutting initiative within the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. His expertise in epistemology, decision theory, and ethics, particularly concerning AI, aligns with SERC's mission to advance interdisciplinary inquiry into the ethical challenges of computing. SERC, established in 2020, promotes responsible technology development through programs like the SERC Scholars Program, an annual prize competition, case studies, curricular materials, and a seed grant program that has funded 24 projects across two rounds.

Key takeaway

For AI Ethicists and Researchers evaluating institutional support for responsible AI development, MIT's appointment of Brian Hedden to SERC signals a reinforced commitment to integrating philosophical and ethical considerations into computing. You should consider SERC's established programs and seed grants as models or potential avenues for collaboration to advance ethical technology practices within your own organizations.

Key insights

MIT's SERC initiative strengthens its leadership to advance ethical computing and AI research and education.

Principles

• Interdisciplinary inquiry is crucial for ethical AI.
• Responsible computing requires "habits of mind and action."

Method

SERC fosters ethical computing through scholar programs, prize competitions, case studies, curricular development, and seed grants for research.

In practice

• Explore SERC's case studies for ethical computing dilemmas.
• Apply for SERC seed grants to fund ethical tech research.

Topics

• Ethics of AI
• Algorithmic Fairness
• Responsible AI Development
• Computing Ethics Education
• MIT Schwarzman College of Computing

Best for: AI Ethicist, AI Researcher, AI Student

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT News - Artificial intelligence.