The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has partnered with five philanthropic organizations to launch the Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program, committing $16 million to prioritize ethical and social considerations in emerging technologies. The collaborative initiative aims to embed ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations throughout the lifecycle of technology, promoting public well-being and mitigating potential harms.
The ReDDDoT program invites multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams to submit proposals that examine responsible design, development, and deployment of technologies, aligning with the principles specified in the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022." The program is supported by philanthropic partners, including the Ford Foundation, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Siegel Family Endowment, and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation.
Key goals of ReDDDoT include stimulating research and innovation, creating inclusive communities of interest, educating the STEM workforce on responsible practices, accelerating societal and economic benefits, and empowering marginalized populations to participate in technology development. The program's initial focus areas for 2024 include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and disaster prevention or mitigation. Phase 1 solicits proposals for workshops, planning grants, or translational research coordination networks, while Phase 2 calls for full project proposals. Interested parties can learn more about ReDDDoT on the program website or register for an informational webinar on February 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET.