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

The inaugural meeting and launch of the AI ethics network took place as part of the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (EXAI). The network aims to coordinate and unify activities related to AI and ethics across Estonia. The launch event was held on 28th November at a seminar organised by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu, the Institute of Computer Science, and EXAI, titled „AI Ethics: A Brake on Innovation or a Driver of Good Science?“. 

Professor Margit Sutrop, head of the Centre for Ethics at the University of Tartu and Ethics Council at the EXAI, emphasised that AI is a rapidly evolving field that necessitates thorough discussion and raises new ethical questions. „AI-related topics are being addressed at various levels in Estonia – not only in academia but also in teaching, both in general and higher education, policy-making, and business. The AI ethics cooperation network will seek ways to enhance AI ethics competence in Estonia. This includes plans to organise cooperation seminars, study meetings, and relevant research and cooperation projects with both Estonian and international experts. In summary, the network has four main goals: to learn from each other, share knowledge, stay informed about each other's activities, and become familiar with ongoing projects,“ said Sutrop. 

The Estonian AI ethics network supports EXAI, contributing to AI's development and responsible application in the local context. Established in May this year, EXAI will focus on four fundamental science topics over the next seven years: the development of AI knowledge, hybrid AI systems, safety barriers and reliability, and privacy and security. Five applied science topics will be addressed: e-governance, cyber defence, education, healthcare, and business processes. Professor Margit Sutrop, head of the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu, chairs the Ethics Council of EXAI. The International Ethics Council also consists of four members: Professor Joanna Bryson (Hertie School, Germany), Dr Björn Lundgren (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg), and Pieter Gryffroy (Timelex Law Firm). The scientific secretary of the Ethics Council is Dr. Mari-Liisa Parder, a researcher at the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu.

Photos of the seminar 

The seminar was supported by EXAI and funded by the Ministry of Education and Research.