The Karsh Institute of Democracy’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab is a collaboration across the University of Virginia that explores the intersections of democracy and digital technology, including how rapidly evolving digital technologies can challenge but also fortify democratic institutions and practices. Funded by UVA’s Grand Challenges Research Initiatives, the Lab supports faculty research and a robust post-doctoral fellowship and practitioner program and establishes collaborations and exchanges among academia and thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, activists, civil-society organizations, artists, designers, and others, taking a transdisciplinary and global approach.
EVENTS
Co-Opting AI: Campaigning
What are the roles data-driven systems and AI play in political campaigning and the democratic process?
'The Algorithm': AI, Civil Rights, and the Workplace
How has AI taken over the world of work, creating one of the biggest civil rights issues of our time?
Co-Opting AI: Athletics
How do data-driven technologies intersect with athletics—ranging from performance optimization and injury risk reduction to labor, surveillance, and the global economy of sports?
Co-Opting AI: Origins
Taking a step back to trace the origins of AI and the various inventions and technologies that comprise it.
NEWS
An Investment in Democracy
Grand Challenges Research Investments move the needle with a new Digital Technology for Democracy Lab.
giving.virginia.edu
PEOPLE
Steven L. Johnson
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Associate Professor of Commerce, McIntire School of Commerce Area Coordinator—Information Technology & Innovation
Mona Kasra
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Associate Professor of Digital Media Design, Department of Art, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Aynne Kokas
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab C.K. Yen Professor, Miller Center Associate Professor of Media Studies, Department of Media Studies, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
David Nemer
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Associate Professor of Media Studies, Department of Media Studies, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Jess Reia
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Assistant Professor of Data Science, School of Data Science
Bertrall Ross
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Justice Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Professor of Law, School of Law Director, Karsh Center for Law & Democracy
Mona Sloane
Faculty Co-Lead, Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab Assistant Professor of Data Science, School of Data Science Assistant Professor of Media Studies, Department of Media Studies, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences