The National Science Foundation, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, Siegel Family Endowment and other philanthropic entities, announced this week the launch of the Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program.

The ReDDDoT program, with its $16 million funding pool, is set to catalyze research and projects in AI, biotechnology, and climate technology. It's an actionable step forward in ensuring that technology develops in a manner that is ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to all segments of society.

PIT-UN is especially encouraged by the program's focus on multidisciplinary and multi-sector collaboration. This approach is vital in creating inclusive and far-reaching impacts in technology development. The inclusion of academia, nonprofits, industry, and government in the ReDDDoT program echoes our belief in the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation.

We encourage you to apply to the array of opportunities that are available to support and institutionalize PIT efforts. Funding includes: Planning Grants, Translational Research Coordination Networks & Workshops through Phase 1 (April 8, 2024 Deadline) or for Project proposals through Phase 2 (April 22, 2024 Deadline). It is particularly heartening to see that the ReDDDoT program explicitly included public interest technology in its priority areas within its program solicitation:

A variety of approaches could support the advancement of knowledge and practice in support of the ReDDDoT program goals. The program will consider projects that are exploratory in nature as well as projects that build on and expand efforts already underway. This includes work in developing, applying, and building capacity in public interest technology, i.e., the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest in a way that generates public benefits and promotes the public good. The program will also consider projects based on existing or emerging industry practices or standards that facilitate safe and ethical technology creation and implementation.