Centre for Technomoral Futures

The Centre for Technomoral Futures focuses on the ethical implications of present and future advances in AI, machine learning and other data-driven technologies. It supports work and research in these areas across the Futures Institute, the University of Edinburgh and with a wide portfolio of partners, projects and networks.

Centre For Technomoral Futures Logo

The Centre’s mission is to unify technical and moral knowledge in new models of research, education, design and engagement that directly serve the goals of sustainable, just and ethical innovation. Its portfolio of activities, supported by an initial gift from the global investment firm Baillie Gifford, focuses upon the ethical implications of present and future advances in AI, machine learning and other data-driven technologies.

As part of the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) at The University of Edinburgh, the Centre supports EFI’s larger aim: to pursue and promote the participatory knowledge and critical understanding needed to support society’s navigation of complex futures. Our shared goal is to help people create and shape more resilient, sustainable and equitable forms of life. The Centre for Technomoral Futures is a home for developing more constructive modes of innovation: innovation that preserves and strengthens human ties and capabilities; that builds more accessible and just paths to public participation in the co-creation of our futures; and that reinvests the power of technology into the repair, maintenance and care of our communities and our planet.

The Centre is brought to life within EFI’s community and unique physical space, as a living embodiment of our shared mission: uniting diverse knowledges and capabilities for the sake of meeting humanity’s future challenges.” 

PROFESSOR SHANNON VALLOR, DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR TECHNOMORAL FUTURES

In focus

Study

MSc Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Rabbit ears poking out of teacup

Gain the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge of ethical design, use and governance of artificial intelligence and other data-intensive technologies in order to navigate complex systems and roles with transparency, fairness, and respect for individual and human rights, and social needs.

Thinking

The business risks of ChatGPT

1s and 0s programming datasets forming an image of an eye on a black background

Dr Gina Helfrich, Baillie Gifford Programme Manager for the Centre for Technomoral Futures at Edinburgh Futures Institute, explains why large language models should be handled with care

News

Edinburgh Professors to lead multidisciplinary AHRC Programme on AI

Photograph of Shannon Vallor and Ewa Luger

Two Edinburgh researchers will lead a project to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) and data are used responsibly and ethically across society and industry.

Meet the team

Headshot of Cristina Richie

Cristina Richie

Lecturer; Cohort Lead, Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics
Emma Caldwell headshot

Emma Caldwell

Manager, Centre for Technomoral Futures (maternity cover)
Headshot of Fabio Tollon

Fabio Tollon

Postdoctoral Researcher
Headshot of Gina Helfrich

Gina Helfrich

Manager, Centre for Technomoral Futures (on maternity leave)
Headshot of Joe Noteboom

Joe Noteboom

Senior Learning Technology & Design Advisor
Headshot of John Zerilli

John Zerilli

Chancellor’s Fellow, Centre for Technomoral Futures
Headshot of Jordan Watson

Jordan Watson

Administrative and Communications Officer, Centre for Technomoral Futures
Headshot of Mary Young

Mary Young

Executive Assistant to Centre for Technomoral Futures Director
Headshot of Shannon Vallor

Shannon Vallor

Baillie Gifford Professor in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures

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