About

At Bowdoin College, we believe in the power of education to shape a better future. The Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity embodies this commitment, serving as a dynamic hub dedicated to exploring, understanding, and ethically guiding the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Launched through a visionary $50 million dollar gift from Reed Hastings ‘83, the initiative is designed to ensure that Bowdoin remains at the forefront of preparing students and faculty to navigate and lead in an AI-driven world.

The Vision

The initiative’s core principles derive from Reed Hastings’ wish that his gift will “empower students and faculty to critically examine, thoughtfully utilize, and ethically shape AI’s trajectory.” We believe that by fostering a deep understanding of AI’s potential and its implications for society, we can cultivate wisdom that truly serves humanity and the common good.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of our lives. We are committed to ensuring Bowdoin graduates are well-prepared to lead in this new landscape. This means equipping them not only with technical understanding but also with the critical thinking, ethical frameworks, and humanistic perspectives necessary to grapple with emerging technologies responsibly. As President Zaki emphasizes, we have a “moral imperative, as educators, to take this on, to confront A.I.”

Key Pillars of the Initiative

To achieve our goals, the Hastings Initiative is focusing on several key areas:

Faculty Expansion and Support: We are embarking on a significant expansion of our faculty ranks, bringing ten new faculty members to Bowdoin across a range of disciplines. These experts will enrich our curriculum and research in AI. Concurrently, we are providing robust resources, funding, and fellowships to support current faculty who wish to incorporate and interrogate AI in their teaching, research, and artistic work. This empowers our educators to explore new pedagogical approaches and scholarly opportunities presented by AI.
Interdisciplinary Engagement: AI is not confined to one field or methodology, it is likely to impact all of them. The initiative champions interdisciplinary conversations about the use of AI and the changes and challenges it will bring. We facilitate these discussions through workshops, symposia, and dedicated support for faculty and student research, fostering a rich environment for exploration and collaboration across departments.
Research and Teaching for the Common Good: Our activities are grounded in rigorous research and innovative teaching. We aim to identify and address the profound risks and consequences of AI, while simultaneously guiding its beneficial uses. By supporting scholarship and innovation, we seek to develop solutions and frameworks that truly serve the Common Good, a principle that has shaped Bowdoin’s identity for over two centuries.

The Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity is more than just a program. It is a commitment to shaping a future where AI serves as a tool for progress, guided by the wisdom and ethical leadership cultivated at Bowdoin College.