AIDE Summer
AI + Data Ethics (AIDE) Summer is intended for graduate students with advanced training in applied ethics, ethical theory, philosophy of science, metascience, epistemology, or other areas with potential research applications to AI and big data who would like to develop research capacities in the philosophy and ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), data ethics, and the philosophy of technology. The aim of this 9-week, in-person training program is to develop core competencies in the philosophy of AI and computation, provide professional development opportunities to develop a research program in these areas, and foster a diverse and collaborative research community.
The 2026 AIDE Summer Program was made possible by generous funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Northeastern’s Khoury College of Computer Science.
Information about program leadership, contributors, and past programs, are available at the links below:
Program Details
The core objectives of the summer program are to:
- Introduce participants to core philosophical and ethical issues in AI and big data systems;
- Mentor students in developing their technical capacities and philosophical research skills so that they can produce quality research in this area;
- Provide professional development opportunities to prepare participants to engage in interdisciplinary research internal and external to academia;
- Foster a collaborative and diverse community of philosophy of AI and computation scholars.
AIDE Summer 2026 will run from June 1st to July 31st.
Participants in the program will join us in Boston for a 9-week funded residential summer school. During the nine weeks, participants will engage in core program components, including:
- A seminar on foundational topics and current issues in AI and data ethics lead by experts in the field;
- Professional development workshops on topics such as public-facing scholarship, developing grants/funding proposals, building collaborations with external partners such as industry, and inclusive mentoring;
- A computer science lab to develop relevant technical competencies, including skills in python, machine learning, and large-language models;
- An expert speaker and networking series with senior and early career researchers working in the field;
- Faculty-supported and mentored research paper related to AI and data ethics.
Syllabi, including a full schedule of workshops, speakers, and events, from prior years are available at the following links:
Participants are expected to spend the bulk of the program in residence in Boston. Program components will be run on a Monday-Thursday schedule, leaving participants weekends to explore Boston and the surrounding area.
Participants who have unencumbered U.S. work rights or a U.S. student visa will receive a $10,000 stipend for the summer to cover living expenses. Applicants who choose to live in Northeastern summer housing will have the cost of housing deducted from their stipend. Applicants who choose to have travel booked by Northeastern will have travel costs deducted from their stipend.
Participants are expected to work with their home institution to determine their eligibility for the stipends and the tax and other implications of that stipend. We are unable to determine for you whether you are eligible or how the stipend might interact with your visa or other restrictions on your employment.
Details about on campus housing options will be sent to accepted applicants to decide whether to opt in, and participants can elect to live off campus if they prefer. Finding external housing is the responsibility of the applicant.
Applications for AIDE Summer 2026 are due January 15th 2026.
Applicants should be graduate students in good standing in PhD programs in philosophy or related areas. Some background in philosophical methodology and/or ethical theory is a requirement of the program.
AIDE Summer 2026 especially welcomes epistemologists, philosophers of science, and metascience researchers interested in developing a research program in the philosophy of AI and computation.
To apply to the program, please submit the following documents:
- A CV that includes, at least, prior program(s) of study with year(s) of completion, current program of study with expected year of completion, graduate level courses successfully completed, any presentations, and any published or forthcoming articles;
- A statement of interest in the program, including: prior philosophical preparation relevant to the program; technical background in computer science, data science, statistics, or formal methods, if any; and how your potential participation in the program will help to foster a diverse and inclusive AI and data ethics research community;
- A writing sample that showcases the applicant’s scholarship. This does not need to be on a topic related to the themes of the program;
- The name and contact info of a person who can offer a short recommendation on your behalf. You should choose someone who can speak to your interests and previous work, and who can describe why they believe you are a good candidate for the program. We will reach out to this person if more information is needed.
For additional information or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Prof. John Basl (j.basl@northeastern.edu) or Prof. Katie Creel (k.creel@northeastern.edu).
Funding for this program is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Northeastern’s Ethics Institute, Northeastern’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, Khoury College of Computer Science, and College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Applications for AIDE Summer 2026 are due January 15th, 2026. We hope to notify participants of decisions by the end of February.
To apply, please click here
Past programs and their information can be accessed through the links bellow.
