Yearly Research Retreat with AI Policy Lab @Umeå University and the Responsible AI group

2026-03-25 · Source: AI Policy Lab · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Policy & Ethics · Depth: Advanced, quick

Summary

The AI Policy Lab at Umeå University and the Responsible AI group from the Department of Computing Science held their annual research retreat from March 17-20, 2026. The central theme was "Situated AI," focusing on grounding AI research in specific places, communities, and lived experiences, rather than abstract objectivity. Discussions explored solarpunk visions for community-scale AI, questioning whose resilience and knowledge are prioritized, and acknowledging that participation can be co-opted into new forms of data extraction without redistributing power. The retreat also critically examined academic incentive structures, particularly the "publish-or-perish" pressure, and how these dynamics can inadvertently perpetuate the very issues AI researchers aim to critique. The working conclusion, inspired by Donna Haraway, emphasized the importance of "staying with the trouble" and not prematurely resolving complex tensions.

Key takeaway

For AI Ethicists and Research Scientists developing community-focused AI, you should critically assess how your research is situated and whose interests it truly serves. Recognize that inviting participation alone may not redistribute power and could lead to new forms of data extraction. Actively work to make your research accountable to the communities you study, rather than allowing academic pressures to dictate a detached approach.

Key insights

Situated AI grounds research in community and lived knowledge, challenging abstract objectivity and academic incentives.

Principles

• AI research must be accountable to communities.
• Participation does not always redistribute power.
• Academic incentives shape research outcomes.

In practice

• Question whose knowledge AI systems are built upon.
• Analyze power dynamics in AI participation.
• Critique academic research structures internally.

Topics

• AI Policy Lab
• Responsible AI
• Situated AI
• Academic Incentives
• Community AI

Best for: AI Ethicist, Research Scientist, AI Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI Policy Lab.