#USA #Miami #St. Thomas University #AI Ethics #AIREN

St. Thomas University Announces the Launch of AIREN for Ethical AI Development

On April 9, 2025, St. Thomas University (STU) proudly introduced the Artificial Intelligence Research Ethics Network (AIREN), a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the university's Institute for Ethical Leadership, seeks to create a systematic framework for AI ethics research, ensuring that the deployment of AI technologies aligns with ethical standards and societal values.

AIREN's Mission and Objectives

AIREN's core mission revolves around promoting ethical AI usage through collaboration with experts and scholars in the field of AI ethics. By systematically reviewing and synthesizing academic work, AIREN aims to establish a rich repository of research resources. This resource will include a publicly accessible database containing the latest studies on AI ethics, as well as a novel Ethical AI Labeling Program. Much like nutritional labels, this labeling system will assess AI software's transparency, effectiveness, biases, and overall societal benefits.

As part of the initiative's first phase, STU is developing a comprehensive, searchable online database that aggregates and critiques the most current AI ethics studies. The second phase will involve the rollout of the Ethical AI Labeling Program, which will provide standard assessments for AI applications and industry players.

Future Phases and Innovations

Future expansions of AIREN may include the establishment of a design innovation lab for ethical AI development, a policy lab dedicated to generating evidence-based recommendations for users and developers, and an AI development hub focused on cultivating ethical applications of AI technologies. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates STU's commitment to not only advancing academic research but also bridging the gap between technology and ethical standards.

The Importance of Ethical AI

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do," stated STU President David A. Armstrong, J.D. He emphasized the critical need for ethical frameworks as society navigates the complexities of AI in the coming generations. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AIREN serves as a vital intersection of academic excellence and ethical leadership, reiterating the importance of aligning technology with humanity's core values.

St. Thomas University's affiliation with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami amplifies its commitment to ethical leadership in AI. The Vatican's 2020 Rome Call for AI Ethics, an influential pledge signed by major technology companies and institutions, underlines the global imperative to ensure AI is developed in ways that uphold human dignity and promote the common good. As Archbishop Thomas Wenski has stated, the aim is to ensure that AI's development contributes positively to society, rather than exacerbating existing disparities.

Leadership and Expertise Behind AIREN

Dr. Henry Mack, STU's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, has been instrumental in advocating for the creation of AIREN. He stressed the initiative's goal of reinforcing moral and ethical values as foundational to societal progress in the context of AI advancements. Furthermore, STU recently appointed Dr. Jaime Franco as the director of the Institute for Ethical Leadership, who will oversee the implementation of AIREN. Dr. Franco brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and academia, positioning STU for success in its ethical AI mission.

Join the Movement

St. Thomas University invites individuals and organizations interested in ethical AI practices to join their waitlist for the upcoming AIREN "Listen and Learn" event. Those seeking further information can reach out to Dr. Franco at [email protected].

With AIREN, STU aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence by promoting ethical standards that emphasize transparency, inclusivity, and the common good. By fostering a robust community of ethical practitioners, the university hopes to lead the way in responsible AI development, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than the reverse. With their ambitious plans for AIREN, St. Thomas University is set to make significant contributions to the growing conversation about ethics in technology and AI.