Become anAI Ethicist

An AI Ethicist’s job includes a variety of tasks:

Research

Studying the ethical implications of AI and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in technology and ethics.

Guideline Development

Creating policies and guidelines to ensure AI systems are developed and used ethically.

Advising

Working with companies and organisations to implement ethical practices in AI projects.

Education

Teaching others about the importance of ethics in AI, from developers to the general public.

Assessment

Evaluating AI systems to ensure they meet ethical standards and identifying potential issues before they arise.

An AI Ethicist can work in a wide range of industries, helping to shape ethical practices across different fields. Here are some of the key industries where you might find AI ethicists:

Technology Companies

Ensuring that AI products and services are designed with ethical considerations in mind.

Healthcare

Guiding the ethical use of AI in medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care.

Finance

Addressing issues of fairness and transparency in AI systems used for lending, investing, and fraud detection.

Government

Developing policies and regulations for the ethical use of AI in public services and national security.

Education

Teaching and researching at universities, helping to shape the next generation of AI developers and ethicists.

Not For Profits and Charities

Working with organisations focused on human rights and social justice to advocate for ethical AI practices.

To become a successful AI Ethicist, you’ll need a blend of technical and ethical skills. Here are some key skills you’ll need:

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyse complex problems and consider different perspectives.

Technical Knowledge

Understanding how AI systems work and the potential ethical issues they can raise.

Communication

Effectively explaining ethical concepts to a variety of audiences.

Research

Conducting thorough investigations into the ethical implications of AI.

Problem Solving

Developing practical solutions to ethical challenges in AI.

Certain subjects will help you prepare for a career as an AI Ethicist.

Computer Science: Learning how AI systems are developed and understanding their technical aspects.

Ethics: Studying moral principles and how they apply to real-world situations.

Philosophy: Developing critical thinking skills and understanding different ethical frameworks.

Mathematics: Building the analytical skills needed to understand and evaluate AI algorithms.

Social Studies: Gaining insight into how technology impacts society and understanding social justice issues.

As an AI Ethicist, you’ll get to work on some really interesting projects. You might help design AI systems that are fair and unbiased, or develop guidelines to protect people’s privacy. You’ll also have the chance to participate in exciting debates about the future of technology and its impact on society. Plus, you’ll be working at the cutting edge of both technology and ethics, making decisions that could shape the future.

Develop Ethical Guidelines for AI Systems: Craft policies and frameworks that ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, focusing on fairness, transparency, and accountability in their deployment across various industries.

Analyse AI Impact on Society: Investigate how AI technologies affect different communities, identifying potential biases or unintended consequences, and propose solutions to mitigate negative impacts.

Advise on AI Policy and Regulation: Collaborate with governments and organisations to shape regulations and standards for AI technologies, ensuring they adhere to ethical principles and protect public interests.

Conduct Workshops and Training: Lead educational sessions for companies and institutions on best practices for ethical AI development and deployment, helping teams understand and implement ethical considerations in their work.

Evaluate AI Products for Ethical Compliance: Assess new AI technologies and products to ensure they meet ethical standards, including checking for biases, privacy issues, and adherence to ethical guidelines before they are launched.

Publish Research on AI Ethics: Write and present research papers on emerging ethical issues in AI, contributing to academic discussions and influencing the broader field of AI ethics with innovative ideas and solutions.

While AI Ethicists often work behind the scenes, some have gained recognition for their contributions:

Dr. Toby Walsh

A prominent AI researcher and advocate for ethical AI practices, Dr. Walsh has been influential in shaping AI policy and ethics in Australia.

Professor Genevieve Bell

A cultural anthropologist and technologist, Professor Bell has been a leading voice in the ethical considerations of AI and technology.

Dr. Catriona Wallace

An expert in AI and ethics, Dr. Wallace has worked extensively on the ethical implications of AI in business and society.

Dr. Genevieve Bell

As the Director of the 3A Institute at the Australian National University (ANU), Dr. Bell is a pioneer in researching the societal impacts of AI and developing ethical frameworks for its use. Her work focuses on human-centred AI and ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive and responsible.

Dr. Julie Williamson

A Professor at the University of Queensland, Dr. Williamson is recognised for her research in AI ethics and fairness. She has developed methods to address biases in AI systems and advocates for transparency in AI algorithms, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare and finance.

Dr. Rana el Kaliouby

Co-founder and CEO of Affectiva, Dr. el Kaliouby has made significant strides in affective computing while emphasising ethical considerations in emotional AI technologies. Her work ensures that AI systems interact with users in an empathetic and respectful manner.

Dr. Kate Smith-Miles

A Professor at the University of Melbourne, Dr. Smith-Miles is known for her contributions to AI and optimisation, including research on ethical implications of AI applications. Her work helps in developing algorithms that are both effective and ethically sound.

Certain personality traits will help you thrive as an AI Ethicist.

Curious: Always eager to learn about new technologies and their implications.

Empathetic: Understanding and considering the impact of AI on different people and communities.

Principled: Committed to upholding strong ethical standards.

Analytical: Able to break down complex issues and think critically about solutions.

Communicative: Able to explain ethical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

To start your journey, consider these university degrees that can help you build a solid foundation:

Bachelor of Computer Science or AI: A foundational degree providing knowledge in programming and AI. Institutions like the University of Western Australia (UWA) offer comprehensive courses that include AI ethics and policy considerations.

Bachelor of Philosophy or Ethics with AI Focus: Some universities, such as Curtin University, offer programs integrating ethics with technology studies, focusing on ethical theories and their application to AI and emerging technologies.

Combining degrees or incorporating different areas of study can provide a broader understanding and a unique perspective that is highly valued in AI ethics. 

Broader Perspective: Combining something like Computer Science with Philosophy or Ethics gives you the technical know-how and the moral compass needed to navigate the complex issues in AI. This combination can make you uniquely qualified to design and assess technology from a holistic viewpoint.

Versatility in Employment: With skills spanning multiple disciplines, you’re not only prepped for roles specifically in AI ethics but also in areas like policy-making, AI development, and consultancy. This versatility can increase your employability and allow you to work in various sectors.

Innovative Problem Solving: Interdisciplinary studies foster creative thinking. By understanding both the technical aspects of AI and the ethical considerations, you can come up with innovative solutions that others might miss.

During your studies, you’ll dive into fascinating subjects that combine technology with critical thinking about ethics.

You’ll learn about the design and function of AI systems, delve into ethical theories, and explore how these theories apply to real-world scenarios.

Courses might cover topics like data privacy, bias in algorithms, and the societal impacts of automation. Plus, you’ll develop skills in research, debate, and policy analysis that are essential for shaping the future of AI.

Gaining work experience in AI ethics can be thrilling! Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in tech companies, non profits focused on digital rights, or government bodies that regulate technology.

These experiences will not only give you a taste of what AI Ethicists do but also help you build a network of professionals who share your passion for ethical technology.

Not keen on taking the university route straight away? No problem! Here are two alternative pathways:

AI Ethics Certifications

Enrol in certifications from platforms like Coursera or edX, which offer courses on AI ethics and responsible AI use. These certifications cover topics such as ethical decision-making, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

Ethics in Technology Training

Pursue training in technology ethics through workshops or online courses that address the ethical challenges posed by AI, including privacy concerns and the impact on societal norms.

Join Ethics Committees

Participate in or lead ethics committees within organisations or academic institutions to gain experience in evaluating and guiding ethical AI practices.

Publish and Present Ethical Research

Contribute to academic journals and conferences on AI ethics, sharing insights and research findings that influence the development of ethical guidelines and standards.

Engage with Professional Networks

Connect with AI ethics professionals through organisations like the Australian Computer Society (ACS) or the International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP) to stay informed on ethical issues and trends.

Participate in Ethical AI Initiatives

Get involved in initiatives and conferences dedicated to AI ethics, such as the AI Ethics Summit, to collaborate with other experts and contribute to the advancement of ethical practices in AI.

Microlearning

There are plenty of online courses available that focus on AI and ethics. These can be a great way to build specific knowledge areas without committing to a full degree.

On-the-Job Training

Some tech companies offer training programs that allow you to work and learn at the same time. This can be a fantastic way to gain practical experience while slowly building up your qualifications.

A career as an AI Ethicist offers diverse opportunities across various locations, from bustling cities with leading tech companies to academic institutions and policy-making bodies in regional areas.

Whether you’re drawn to urban environments with vibrant tech ecosystems or prefer working in quieter settings with emerging ethical research initiatives, the field of AI ethics provides a dynamic and expansive career landscape. With opportunities to influence policy, advise organisations, and drive ethical practices, AI ethicists can find fulfilling careers that align with their passion for technology and societal impact, regardless of their location.

Whether you’re in Western Australia, elsewhere in Australia, or anywhere around the globe, opportunities for AI ethicists are growing!

Western Australia

The tech scene here is budding, with opportunities in both startups and established tech firms focusing on ethical AI development.

Australia-Wide

Larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne are hubs for tech innovation and often seek AI ethicists for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government.

Global

As AI continues to be integrated into every aspect of our lives, from Europe to North America to Asia, AI ethicists are increasingly in demand to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.