IDEAS Summer Program

AI, data science, and machine learning are increasingly a part of everyday life, and every sector of society. The headlines are filled with examples of AI and data science used for great benefits, but also leading to great harms. The IDEAS residential summer program will provide an opportunity for undergraduates to spend 1-2 weeks in either Boston or San Diego to learn from world experts on data science, ethics, computer science, philosophy, law, and more. The program will help the next generation learn how to think critically and systematically about the ethical risks posed by these technologies, and how to responsibly develop AI and data science systems that benefit the many, not only the few.

The IDEAS summer program will be offered twice during 2023, with a similar, but expanded overall program, at Northeastern, in collaboration with Harvard, in Boston and at UC San Diego in southern California. We are building on the success of the 2022 IDEAS, also held at Northeastern and UC San Diego, by adding a second week (required at Northeastern, optional at UC San Diego) to incorporate real-world projects and applications of the ideas explored in the first week.

We are seeking to foster a rich and diverse community through these programs, including connections with a wide range of two- and four-year educational institutions.