Ethics Core

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform biomedical and behavioral health research, as well as healthcare delivery. At the same time, AI, and particularly machine learning (ML), raises numerous ethical and societal concerns.  Without an ethically robust set of guiding principles and corresponding practices, AI/ML could infringe upon personal rights (e.g., privacy), widen gaps in fairness and equity, and fan the flames of distrust. Particularly concerning is the fact that such problems may be realized unintentionally or unconsciously by the developers and users of such technology. Preventing adverse consequences must be addressed proactively if AI is to be adopted in practice.

Compliance with current regulations and review practices, while essential, will not suffice to achieve trust, which requires willingness by the public and users to rely on AI/ML. And, if we permit AI/ML to influence life changing decisions, we must account for their social, environmental, economic,  technical, and legal implications. The overarching goal of the Ethics Core of Bridge2AI is to ensure that AI/ML is developed and applied in an ethical and trustworthy manner. In this respect, the core will support the Bridge2AI program to become sustainable by being more firmly grounded in ethics and trustworthiness.  To realize this vision, we will use a four step iterative reflexive cycle: 1) Scaffold, 2) Assess, 3) Facilitate, and 4) Evaluate and educate, or SAFE, which will provide a platform for convening, analysis and curation, outreach, and original research in a multidisciplinary manner. 

Who We Are

Bradley Malin, PhD
Core Lead
Vanderbilt
Ellen Wright Clayton, MD, JD
Co-Lead
Vanderbilt
Xiaoqian Jiang, PhD
Co-Lead
UTHealth Houston
Camille Nebeker, PhD
Co-Lead
University of California San Diego
Toufeeq Ahmed, PhD
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Hoon Cho, PhD
Co-Investigator
Broad Institute
Carolyn Diehl
Project Manager
Vanderbilt
Daniel Fabbri, PhD
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Yejin Kim, PhD
Co-Investigator
UTHealth Houston
Yaa Kumah-Crystal, MD, MS
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Michael Matheny, PhD
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Kirk Roberts, PhD
Co-Investigator
UTHealth Houston
Babak Salimi, PhD
Co-Investigator
University of California San Diego
Berk Uston, PhD
Co-Investigator
University of California San Diego
Colin Walsh, MD, MS
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt
Zhijun Yin, PhD
Co-Investigator
Vanderbilt