ARRTI Responsible Research Challenge (RRC)
Through the Responsible Research Challenge, the KIT Academy for Responsible Research, Teaching, and Innovation (ARRTI) supports projects by M.A. students, graduates, and researchers at KIT that serve to develop or use artificial intelligence to take on social and ethical responsibility.
Challenge 2023: Responsible AI
The Topic
In April 2019, the European Union published “Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.” A policy for AI regulations followed in 2021. It is understandably necessary to regulate research into AI and the implementation of AI-based systems, given the potential of this technology—potential that we are only beginning to understand. However, too close a focus on the risks of AI can easily lead us to overlook how this new technology can help us to assume the responsibilities we bear in an ever-changing world.
With this call for proposals, ARRTI invites the development of ideas about how AI can help us to assume our social and ethical responsibilities.
Summary
| Application deadline: | 14.06.2023 |
| Funding: | up to 80,000 Euro |
| Application template: | Download |
| Contact: | Sophia Merkel |
Who can apply?
There are two lines of funding: a) one for M.A. students approaching graduation or Master’s graduates of KIT (up to a maximum of one year after the Master’s) and another b) for KIT researchers (employees and doctoral candidates) from all disciplines and career levels. You can apply individually or as a team. Funding is intended for research ideas and projects that are still in the planning stage or not yet concluded. Applicants may be planning a research project, for example in the form of a dissertation, or already conducting research in the field of AI, and are convinced that their project can contribute to our acting more responsibly socially and ecologically as well as in research.
How can you apply?
Submissions should be made by 14.06.2023 using the application template below. Among other things, this includes applicants’ CVs, a discussion of the idea for the project, the planned length of the project, a budget and implementation plan as well as details about the researchers involved.
What will be funded?
Projects lasting up to one year. Total funding of up to 80,000 euro is available for all funded projects. Funding will be made available for the projects for a limited period of one year and may be spent on personnel, material, and investment in accordance with the regional budget regulations.
Master’s students and graduates who are in the transition from the master’s to the doctorate can apply with a concept that can lead to a doctoral project. We offer funding to develop this concept until independent funds can be applied for. Researchers can apply with research projects.
Research questions might include, but are not limited to: Can AI be used to improve the lives of disadvantaged groups in our society or to contribute to a more peaceful coexistence? How can AI such as data analysis supported by big data lead to a more sustainable economy? Can AI help to distribute scarce resources more fairly, for example in the health care system?
Selection and funding
After the application deadline, a jury will select the winning project(s) from among the applications received according to the selection criteria of relevance to the call for proposals, the state of research, the quality of research, and feasibility. The application must specify the desired amount of funding, which must be within the scope of the overall funding available. During the funding period, there will also be opportunities to receive coaching on the responsibility aspects of the project, as well as access to the networks of ARRTI, EnTechnon, IPEK, and ITAS to draw new inspiration for your project.
Download
Contact
If you have any questions or need advice, please contact Sophia Merkel.