Looking before we leap: Expanding ethical review processes for AI and data science research

Abstract

As part of this work, the Ada Lovelace Institute, the University of Exeter’s Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the Alan Turing Institute developed six mock AI and data science research proposals that represent hypothetical submissions to a Research Ethics Committee. An expert workshop found that case studies are useful training resources for understanding common AI and data science ethical challenges. Their purpose is to prompt reflection on common research ethics issues and the societal implications of different AI and data science research projects. These case studies are for use by students, researchers, members of research ethics committees, funders and other actors in the research ecosystem to further develop their ability to spot and evaluate common ethical issues in AI and data science research.