J-PAL at MIT Launches Project AI Evidence to Fight Poverty
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is on a mission to combat poverty using artificial intelligence (AI). The lab has recently initiated a new project, Project AI Evidence (PAIE), aiming to understand and use AI innovations in the fight against poverty. In its initial phase, the project has awarded funding to eight research studies. Source
Understanding the Potential of AI in Social Challenges
PAIE aims to discern which AI solutions are effective and who they benefit the most. The purpose is to scale the most effective, inclusive, and responsible solutions and scale down those that may potentially cause harm. The initiative is working to generate evidence by connecting governments, tech companies, and nonprofits with world-class economists at MIT and across J-PAL’s global network.
Financial Support and Collaboration
The project has received financial support from various sources, including a grant from Google.org, philanthropic support from Community Jameel, a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre and UK International Development, and a collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services. Eric and Wendy Schmidt have also awarded a grant, by recommendation of Schmidt Sciences, to study generative AI in the workplace, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
J-PAL’s Role in Understanding AI’s Impact on Society
Since its inception in 2003, J-PAL has been conducting rigorous evaluations of social policies and programs around the world. Now, through PAIE, J-PAL will bring together leading experts in AI technology, research, and social policy to understand AI’s effects on society. The initiative aligns with the strategic priority of MIT president Sally Kornbluth, who focuses on generative AI.
Exploring AI’s Impact in Key Sectors
The studies funded in PAIE’s first round of competition explore urgent questions in key sectors like education, health, climate, and economic opportunity. The studies aim to evaluate the role of AI in classrooms, reducing gender bias in schools, and aiding career counselors to uncover more job opportunities.
The Future of AI in the Social Sector
As the use of AI in the social sector evolves, these evaluations will play a crucial role in discovering effective, responsible solutions that can significantly alleviate poverty and inequality. J-PAL is seeking new collaborators who share its vision of discovering and scaling up real-world AI solutions. It aims to support more governments and social sector organizations that want to adopt AI responsibly.
