Everyone is learning to navigate artificial intelligence, and cities are no exception. But thanks to a recent grant, two Northeastern University professors are helping the city of Boston and its residents channel AI for the greater good.
The Public Interest Technology University Network recently awarded a Network Challenge Grant to Northeastern University and its Boston Area Research Initiative, run by Dan O’Brien and Kim Lucas, both of whom teach public policy in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. The grant funds projects dedicated to growing public interest technology. O’Brien and Lucas will use the grant to research how AI can be used by the city of Boston and to educate residents on its usage.
“I’m excited to be part of the team awarded a PIT-UN Network Challenge Grant,” said Lucas. “It’s such a great opportunity that supports the work that BARI is doing as a bridge between our campus community and the greater neighborhoods and city we are a part of. I’m excited to continue to be an innovative leader in the civic tech community as we expand our work to consider the benefits and challenges of AI both on campus and in our neighborhoods — and to think about how experts of all kinds are going to be needed to think and work together to use this tool to produce positive change that we see and feel every day.”
