A nationwide network for the development of AI ethics has been established

The Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu has established a nationwide network to foster collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence ethics.

The AI Ethics Collaboration Network aims to coordinate and integrate activities in the fields of artificial intelligence and ethics in Estonia. The network’s inaugural meeting took place on November 28 during a seminar titled “AI Ethics: A Brake on Innovation or a Driver of Good Science?”, organized by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu, the Institute of Computer Science, and the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (EXAI).

Professor Margit Sutrop, Head of the Ethics Council at the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu and EXAI, emphasized that the rapidly developing AI field raises numerous new ethical questions that require thorough discussion. “In Estonia, AI-related topics are addressed at various levels – from research and education, both in general and higher education, to policymaking and entrepreneurship. The AI Ethics Collaboration Network will explore ways to enhance AI competence in Estonia. Planned activities include collaborative seminars, training sessions, and research and cooperation projects involving both Estonian and international experts. The network has four main objectives: learning from each other, sharing knowledge, staying informed about members’ activities, and familiarizing with ongoing projects,” Sutrop explained.

The network supports the work of the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence by contributing to the development and responsible application of AI. Established in May this year, the Centre of Excellence develops innovative methods for creating trustworthy AI systems. These methods aim to enhance AI capabilities in areas critical to Estonia, such as e-governance, healthcare, business process management, and cybersecurity.

In addition to Professor Margit Sutrop, the Ethics Council of the Centre of Excellence includes Professor Joanna Bryson from the Hertie School, researcher Björn Lundgren from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, and attorney Pieter Gryffroy from the law firm Timelex. The scientific secretary of the Ethics Council is Mari-Liisa Parder, a researcher at the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu.

Photos of the seminar 

The seminar was supported by the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (EXAI) and funded by the Ministry of Education and Research.