Neuroscientist Gaya Dowling Takes the Helm of AI Century Study at AIR

Gaya Dowling to Lead the AI Century Study at AIR

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has recently welcomed acclaimed neuroscientist Gayathri 'Gaya' Dowling as its newest leader for the AI Century Study. This vast initiative is set to delve into the transformative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on human development, education, and opportunities across a century.

Gaya Dowling is celebrated for her groundbreaking leadership in neuroscience, particularly her role in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which has been acknowledged as the most extensive longitudinal research project focusing on brain development and child health in the United States. Over the past decade, this significant study has closely monitored around 12,000 children as they navigate their journey from late childhood into young adulthood, allowing researchers to understand better the biological and behavioral changes that occur during this critical period.

Jessica Heppen, the president and CEO of AIR, expressed her confidence in Dowling’s capabilities to spearhead the AI Century Study, stating that her unique expertise positions her ideally to help society comprehend the implications of AI on various facets of life, from education to overall well-being. Heppen acknowledged the immense potential of AI to enhance lives and expand opportunities, whilst also recognizing the vast uncertainties that currently exist regarding its long-term effects.

In her new role at AIR, Dowling noted the rapid evolution of AI and its pervasive influence on every aspect of human existence — from learning to working. She emphasized that the AI Century Study is vital for discerning how young individuals interact with AI technologies and how these interactions influence their cognitive and socio-emotional development, ultimately impacting their health and well-being in the long run.

Before embarking on this new chapter at AIR, Dowling held several influential positions at NIH, including deputy director for the Office of Science Policy at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and as chief of the Science Policy Branch at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in neurobiology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis.

The newly unveiled AI Century Study is a national, longitudinal cohort project employing a mixed-methods approach. It will engage participants in a series of repeated data collection efforts over an extended timeline, utilizing a range of sources such as surveys, interviews, and administrative records. This innovative study plan aims to highlight changes within individuals over different life stages and across generations, providing a comprehensive look at emerging trends and behavioral patterns, rather than manipulating or intervening in AI interactions.

Updates and findings from the AI Century Study will be shared periodically, contributing to an ongoing understanding of AI's implications. AIR is no stranger to pioneering longitudinal research; its historical work includes Project Talent, initiated in 1960, which tracked high school students into adulthood, yielding invaluable insights into educational outcomes and health, which remain relevant in current studies focusing on aging and healthcare access.

The AI Century Study marks a crucial segment of AIR’s broader AI Nexus vision, which serves as a reliable resource for empirical evidence, approaches, and practical recommendations for the ethical and responsible use of AI across various sectors. AIR is dedicated to ensuring that AI serves as a beneficial force when communities and organizations are equipped with credible, high-quality evidence about its effects on individuals and society.

For those interested in the role of AI in shaping our future, the AI Century Study promises to provide significant insights and critical data to support informed decision-making among policymakers and the public alike.

AIR, established in 1946, operates as a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization committed to conducting behavioral and social science research while offering technical assistance in health, education, and workforce development. With its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR also maintains offices across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, one can visit www.air.org.