👋 Hello, Humane Tech Pioneers!

Welcome to your weekly dose of Careers in Humane Tech newsletter! This week, we're diving into the complexities of ethical data use, the exciting possibilities of neurotechnology careers, and the ever-evolving landscape of AI ethics. We're learning about the pressing challenge of AI job displacement, exploring Neurolink's advancements, and underscoring the importance of comprehensive ethical AI training. Join us in examining these critical areas shaping the future where technology empowers workers and enhances human potential.

In this week’s newsletter:

🚨 NEWS - AI assistants replacing human roles at Klarna | Neurolink implanting a brain-computer interface into a human for the first time | Google Gemini tuning issues with image generation.

🎓 LEARNING PATHWAYS - Neurotech Capstone Project | XLAB Summer Research Fellowship | Ethical Data Science - Bachelor of Science | Ethics in AI & Data Science Online Certificate

🌐 HUMANE TECH ORGS & JOBS - AlgorithmWatch | Daios Tech | Data Ethics | MITRE | Centre for the Governance of AI | Distributed AI Research Institute

👥 INFLUENCERS & COMMUNITIES - Ayanna Howard, leading voice in ethical robotics | Deb Raji, Ethical AI Researcher | The BCI Guys, neurotech researchers dedicated to creating a brain-controlled future | NeuroTechX | DataKind | Ethical AI Community.

⚙️ TOOLS & RESOURCES - AI Ethicist - Your comprehensive guide to AI ethics research | Bitbrain Blog Newsletter-fuel up with neurotech and BCI | Data Ethics Toolkits | Machine Ethics Podcast.

HUMANE TECH NEWS

AI & JOB DISPLACEMENT

AI Assistant Raises Ethical Concerns as Klarna Claims it Replaces 700 Employees

Summary

Klarna, a financial services company, has introduced an AI assistant that can handle customer service inquiries, potentially replacing the work of 700 human agents. While Klarna denies a direct link, this development has sparked ethical concerns regarding the impact of AI on human employment.

Why it matters

Well-being - The introduction of AI assistants raises questions about the well-being of displaced employees and the future implications for job markets.

Career Tips 

Ethical Guidelines - When involved in developing AI systems or promoting automation, it is crucial to consider ethical guidelines to ensure fair outcomes for people (and not only for the company’s bottom line).

Solopreneurship - As AI, robots, and automation gradually replace traditional human roles, they also open up new avenues for entrepreneurship. When contemplating a career path that is future-proof, explore the possibility of becoming a solopreneur. Learn more about becoming a Solopreneur

SUPERINTELLIGENCE

Neuralink's Brain Chip Trial Sparks Debate on Safety, Secrecy, and the Future of Neurotechnology

Summary 

Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted a brain chip in a human, enabling control of a computer by thought. Despite the volunteer's recovery, the achievement has been deemed underwhelming by neurotechnology researchers, raising concerns about safety, transparency, and the ethical implications of such advancements.

Why it matters

Safety - The trial raises questions about the long-term safety of brain implants and their potential risks to participants.

Transparency - Neuralink's secretive approach and lack of detailed public information hinder the scientific community's ability to assess and learn from the trial.

Ethics - The development and application of such technology pose ethical dilemmas, including the potential for exacerbating social inequalities and privacy concerns.

Career Tips

Learn about neuroethics or bioethics - Take steps not only to deepen the medicine and technical aspsects of brain implants. Engage in the ethical debate surrounding neurotechnology and its implications for society.

Advocate for transparent and responsible neurotechnology development - collaborate with policy makers, medical experts, tech companies and civil society to promote openness and public engagement in the development of brain-computer interfaces.

AI ETHICS

Google's Gemini AI Misstep Highlights the Need for Ethical AI Development and Diverse Data Sets

Summary

Google's Gemini AI tool generated historically inaccurate and controversial images due to tuning issues, including racially diverse Nazis. Google attributed this to the AI's overcompensation for diversity and becoming overly cautious, leading to refusal in generating specific images.

Why it matters

 Ethics - The incident raises ethical concerns about the representation and accuracy of AI-generated content.

Transparency - Need for clear explanations of how AI models are tuned and how they interpret prompts.

Career Tips

Become an expert in detecting and mitigating bias - Focus on understanding how bias manifests in AI systems through coursework, research projects, and internships focused on fairness in AI.

Prioritize explainable AI (XAI) - Develop strong technical skills in XAI techniques, tools, and frameworks allowing you to make AI systems understandable and transparent.

Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration -  Combine your technical AI skills with studies in ethics, sociology, and history to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders when building inclusive AI solutions.

LEARNING PATHWAYS

MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Neurotech Capstone Project

by Queen’s University Centre for Neuroscience Studies

In person, Kingston ONTARIO (Canada)

What is it

This 2-week immersive course at Queen’s University equips students with hands-on neurotech experience, covering EEG, MRI, and more, alongside soft skills workshops, culminating in a team-based neurotech project presentation.

Who is the Program For

Ideal for students and professionals in neuroscience or related fields seeking practical neurotech experience. It prepares participants for careers in neurotech research, development, and innovation, bridging gaps in interdisciplinary skills.

Future Fit Criteria

Exponential Technologies Focuses on EEG, fNIRs, MRI, Neuromodulation, and Behavioral Measurement. Equips students with cutting-edge neurotech skills for emerging applications.

Real-World Challenges You design and execute a neurotech project, presenting to faculty and industry partners, mirroring real-world neurotech innovation challenges.

Innovation Skills Includes entrepreneurship and project management workshops, fostering innovative thinking and leadership in neurotech project development.

Human Skills Workshops on team building, resume tuning, and interview prepping enhance interpersonal, communication, and career readiness skills

Work-Based Learning The capstone project, supported by TA and instructor guidance, offers practical experience. Industry partners' involvement provides a pathway to internships.

Industry Connections Partnership with NeuroTechX and other neurotech companies offers students preferential access to internships and job interviews, fostering strong industry ties.

FELLOWSHIP

XLAB Summer Research Fellowship

by University of Chicago

In person, Chicago IL (USA)

What is it

The Summer Research Fellowship is a 10-week program that provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to conduct research on existential threats. Fellows will work on a research project with mentorship from faculty and researchers, and participate in workshops and social events. The program is designed to help students develop their research skills and gain a deeper understanding of existential risks.

Who is the Program For

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines who are interested in existential risk research. Applicants should have a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in research.

Future Fit Criteria

Exponential Technologies
You explore topics like artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and their potentially catastrophic global impacts.

Real-World Challenges
You tackle pressing scientific questions, contributing to projects with potential significant societal impact.

Innovation Skills 
You develop critical thinking and research methodologies applicable to addressing future risk scenarios.

Human Skills
Peer reviews, guest speaker Q&As, and team-based options boost collaboration, communication, and critical feedback skills.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Ethical Data Science - Bachelor of Science

by Nazareth University

In person, Rochester, NY (USA)

What is it

The Ethical Data Science program equips students with the skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data while adhering to ethical principles. The curriculum emphasizes fairness, justice, and privacy rights in data analysis, preparing graduates for careers in a variety of fields. Students will gain proficiency in using algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to solve real-world problems.

Who is the Program For?

This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing careers in data science, computer science, or related fields, with a focus on ethical considerations. It is suitable for students with or without prior programming experience.

Future Fit Criteria

Exponential Technologies
The program covers foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are considered exponential technologies. However, the focus is on the ethical implications of these technologies, rather than in-depth exploration of their cutting-edge applications.

Innovation Skills 
Emphasis is less on inventing new tech, more on innovating ethical frameworks and decision-making within existing data workflows.

Human Skills 
The program places a strong emphasis on ethics, fairness, and responsible data collection, which are all crucial human skills in the field of data science. Students will gain communication and collaboration skills through teamwork and group projects.

Work-Based Learning 
The program offers experiential learning opportunities including internships, community-based projects, research with a faculty member, and study abroad.

ONLINE CERTIFICATE

Ethics in AI and Data Science

by The Linux Foundation

Online

What is it?

This course focuses on integrating ethical principles in AI and Data Science, covering transparency, trust, and responsibility. It introduces frameworks and practical approaches for ethical dilemmas in technology and business leadership.

Who is the Program For?

Ideal for business leaders and data professionals seeking to incorporate ethics in AI initiatives, it prepares participants for responsible technology stewardship in various sectors, emphasizing accountability and ethical practice.

Future Fit Criteria

Exponential Technologies
Focuses on the ethical implications of AI and data science technologies, highlighting the need for responsible development and use.

Real-World Challenges 
Discusses ethical challenges andd the impact of AI and data science on society, offering strategies for ethical practice.

Innovation Skills
Teaches setting up frameworks for AI principles and the importance of ethical considerations in innovation.

HUMANE TECH ORGS

Advocating for Ethical and Accountable Algorithms

AlgorithmWatch

Berlin (Germany) & Zurich (Switzerland)

What They Do

AlgorithmWatch is a non-profit research and advocacy group dedicated to analyzing the social implications of automated decision-making systems (ADM) and artificial intelligence (AI). The organization strives to ensure these technologies serve the public good rather than undermine fundamental rights.

How do They Advance Humane Tech

Research - AlgorithmWatch investigates how algorithmic systems are used in various sectors, exposing biases, discrimination, and potential harms.

Advocacy - They engage with policymakers, corporations, and the public to push for regulation and oversight that prioritizes human rights and social justice in the development of AI.

Public Awareness -  AlgorithmWatch raises awareness through publications, campaigns, and events about the impact of algorithmic systems with the goal of empowering people to understand and critically engage with these technologies.

Join the AlgorithmWatch Team

Building Trusted AI Solutions with User-Controlled Ethics

Daios Tech

San Francisco (USA)

What they do

This startup has launched a groundbreaking platform for developers to integrate user-controlled ethics into their own large language models (LLMs). This means developers can add a layer of transparency and control to their AI models, allowing users to set their own ethical preferences that build trust. The platform establishes a dynamic feedback loop that connects users, data, and companies, ensuring that ethical considerations are central to the development and deployment of AI technologies.

How do they advance humane tech

Empowering Users - Daios puts the power in the hands of users by allowing them to personalize the ethical guidelines for AI models they interact with. This fosters trust and transparency in AI technology.

Promoting Responsible AI Development - By providing developers with tools to integrate user-controlled ethics, Daios encourages the development of responsible AI that aligns with user values.

Shifting the Paradigm - Daios represents a paradigm shift in the way AI is developed and deployed. By placing user ethics at the forefront, they are paving the way for a more human-centric future of AI.

Empowering a Human-centric Approach to Data

Data Ethics

Copenhagen (Denmark)

What they do

Data Ethics is a European non-profit organization founded in 2015 by female leaders in data and AI ethics. Their mission is to promote a human-centric approach to data systems and development through academic research, collaboration, awareness raising, advocacy, and social change initiatives.

How do they advance humane tech

Data Ethics integrates data ethics within broader concepts such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, and Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR), underscoring the ethical responsibility organizations have towards society in their use of data.

They emphasize sustainable and responsible data use that benefits humans, adhering to principles like individual data control, transparency, accountability, and equality to ensure practices that respect human rights and personal data protection laws.

WORK-BASED OPPORTUNITIES

INFLUENCERS & COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY

NeuroTechX

Online (with local chapters and student clubs worldwide)

If you're passionate about where brain science, technology, and innovation intersect, NeuroTechX offers a vibrant and diverse community to call home.

What to expect

Diverse Membership - Attract minds from various fields such as AI, neuroscience, ethical hackers, researchers, engineering, and medicine.

Global Reach, Local Connection - Engage online through forums and discussions, or find a NeuroTechX Chapter in your city. They host meetups, hackathons, and talks to bring the neurotech world right to your doorstep.

Upskilling Support - The NeuroTechX Student Club Competition promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical experimentation. Slack where you can find mentorship, skill-building workshops, and project opportunities tailored to those just starting their neurotech journey.

How it can help your career

Skill Development - Workshops, competitions, and project collaborations offered through NeuroTechX allow you to hone practical skills vital for success in the field

Find a Job - NeuroTechX has a jobs platform that connects job seekers with employers in the neurotechnology industry.

COMMUNITY

DataKind

Worldwide

DataKind tackles the world’s toughest challenges with data science and AI. From hackathon-style events to years-long capacity-building engagements, DataKind builds new tools to address old and intractable problems, and brings emerging data scientists into the Data-for-Good movement by showing them how valuable their skills can be. With a vibrant network of supporters and volunteers around the world, DataKind is able to engage on a wide variety of issues, continually bringing the benefits of data science to new communities.

What to expect

Volunteer members: DataKind draws in data scientists, social impact specialists, policymakers, and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, all committed to making a difference.

Use your Data skills: you can use your data science expertise to address pressing social issues like poverty, healthcare access, and climate change. You will collaborate with other data scientists and social impact partners to tackle real-world problems and contribute to positive social change. DataKind offers both remote and in-person volunteering opportunities.

Build your network: Engage with a worldwide network of changemakers online or find a DataKind chapter near you. Local events, workshops, and DataDives offer in-person connections and collaborative opportunities.

How it can help your career

By working on real-world projects with social impact organizations, you'll gain experience in applying ethical principles to data science projects. This experience can be valuable for demonstrating your skills and commitment to ethical data practices to potential employers. It can also help you build your reputation as a leader in the data ethics field.

COMMUNITY

Ethical AI Community

Online/Slack

If you're passionate about ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in artificial intelligence, the Ethical AI Community is worth exploring.

What to expect 

Resource Hub: Discover tools, frameworks, and guidelines for ethical AI development. Citibeats offers resources like their open gender detection model to promote inclusivity.

Collaborative SLACK channel - Engage with experts, researchers, and advocates who share the same commitment to responsible AI practices on Slack. Exchange ideas and contribute to driving ethical advancements in the field. Discussions will likely center around reducing bias, protecting privacy, and prioritizing human well-being within AI systems.

How it can help your career

Network of Ethically-Minded Professionals: Build connections with those who share your values. These relationships could lead to collaboration, mentorship, or future opportunities in ethical AI roles. Participate in discussions and contribute to shaping ethical AI standards. This helps establish your thought leadership and commitment to positive change within the industry.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES

🧭 AI Ethicist - Your comprehensive guide to AI ethics research, governance, and social impact. Explore this global repository for in-depth reference materials and stay informed about the field's evolution.

✅ Bitbrain Blog Newsletter - Fuel your knowledge of neurotech and BCIs. Get the latest insights, research findings, and opportunities delivered to your inbox with their interesting newsletter.

👁️ Data Ethics Toolkit - Equip yourself for responsible data practices. Discover practical tools and frameworks designed to promote ethical decision-making throughout your data science projects.

👾 Machine Ethics Podcast - Immerse yourself in the world of AI ethics. Delve into insightful interviews, expert analysis, and thought-provoking discussions on the complex implications of autonomous technologies.

Thank you for reading!

Do you know of any learning pathways, communities, or resources focused on humane tech? Reach out by replying to this newsletter, or via direct message on Linkedin.