MIT has appointed Brian Hedden, a professor specializing in epistemology and decision theory, as the co-associate dean of the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC).

Operating within the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, SERC serves as a vital cross-disciplinary hub where humanities and technical fields intersect. Hedden’s background in philosophy provides a unique lens for addressing the "habits of mind" required to build technologies in the public interest. By joining co-associate dean Nikos Trichakis, Hedden will lead efforts to integrate ethical inquiry directly into the engineering and computer science curricula.

The initiative's work is increasingly critical as AI deployment accelerates, raising urgent questions about algorithmic fairness—the study of ensuring mathematical models do not produce biased or discriminatory outcomes. Hedden’s previous research into political polarization aligns with SERC’s mission to foster developers who prioritize societal impact.

Beyond leadership, SERC continues to drive engagement through the SERC Scholars Program and newly established seed grants. These programs empower students to investigate how we form beliefs (epistemology) in an era of information abundance. By funding projects that bridge the gap between technical capability and moral responsibility, MIT reinforces its commitment to proactive AI safety and human-centric innovation.

MIT has appointed Brian Hedden, a professor specializing in epistemology and decision theory, as the co-associate dean of the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC).

Operating within the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, SERC serves as a vital cross-disciplinary hub where humanities and technical fields intersect. Hedden’s background in philosophy provides a unique lens for addressing the "habits of mind" required to build technologies in the public interest. By joining co-associate dean Nikos Trichakis, Hedden will lead efforts to integrate ethical inquiry directly into the engineering and computer science curricula.

The initiative's work is increasingly critical as AI deployment accelerates, raising urgent questions about algorithmic fairness—the study of ensuring mathematical models do not produce biased or discriminatory outcomes. Hedden’s previous research into political polarization aligns with SERC’s mission to foster developers who prioritize societal impact.

Beyond leadership, SERC continues to drive engagement through the SERC Scholars Program and newly established seed grants. These programs empower students to investigate how we form beliefs (epistemology) in an era of information abundance. By funding projects that bridge the gap between technical capability and moral responsibility, MIT reinforces its commitment to proactive AI safety and human-centric innovation.