Building a Shared Vision: Organizations Advancing Human-Centered AI

By Tara Mandrekar and Chris Heuer

Our thought group has been exploring various initiatives to assess AI’s impacts on humanity. We’re encouraging uses of AI that contribute to human flourishing, and working to mitigate AI’s negative effects on humanity. In our recent travels along this journey, we’ve found a number of organizations that have been working on this same question, which seems to represent the undercurrent of a new movement.

As we continue to develop our thinking, we’re reflecting on the work being done by so many different people to build a better future for us to live alongside technology. Today we will put the spotlight on a few of the efforts that contribute to this shared vision for humanity. So far, we have identified 50 organizations whose work is aligned with our mission to leave no human behind.

First, here are five organizations that you may know who are doing wide-reaching and impactful work in this space:

• Ada Lovelace Institute
  An independent research body on a mission to ensure that data and AI work for people and society, with opportunities, benefits, and privileges generated by data and AI justly and equitably experienced
  
  

• AI Now Institute
  Produces diagnostics and policy research that challenges and reimagines the current trajectory of AI—countering unchecked commercial surveillance, concentration of power, and lack of public accountability

• Algorithmic Justice League
  Combines art, research, and advocacy to raise awareness of AI’s social impacts, empower advocates, amplify voices of those most affected, and galvanize action against AI harms and biases
  
  

• Partnership on AI
  A nonprofit coalition that convenes academia, civil society, industry, and media to jointly create solutions ensuring AI advances positive outcomes for people and society
  
  

• Stanford Institute for Human‑Centered AI (HAI)
  Advances AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition by studying, guiding, and developing human-centered AI technologies and applications
  
  

Here are another 11 organizations we wanted to make sure you get to know:

• AI4People
  Supports governments and businesses in mitigating AI risks and implementing AI ethics and governance across organizations, promoting a safe, ethical, and responsible approach to AI

• Artificiality Institute
  Exploring how humans and AI co-evolve, and developing research, education, and dialogue to create a more meaningful future of AI

• Center for Human‑Compatible AI (CHAI)
  Aims to develop the conceptual and technical wherewithal to reorient AI research toward systems that are provably beneficial for humanity

• Center for Humane Technology
  Strives to reimagine digital infrastructure to support collective well‑being, democracy, and a healthy information environment, by diagnosing harms of the attention economy and equipping leaders with resources to design humane technology

• Data & Society Research Institute
  Conducts independent, empirical research on the social implications of data, AI, and automation, aiming to ground governance debates in equity, human dignity, and real‑world impacts

• Encode
  Youth-led organization mobilizing policymakers and the public to navigate powerful AI and advance responsible leadership and innovation in the U.S. through advocacy and public engagement

• EqualAI
  Helps companies, policymakers, and institutions implement effective AI governance frameworks—through tools like certification programs and educational resources—to advance innovation and broader adoption of responsible AI

• European Digital Rights
  A network of NGOs, experts, and academics working to defend and advance digital rights across Europe by challenging abuses of power, advocating for laws, mobilizing people, and promoting a healthy, accountable tech market

• ForHumanity
  Examines and analyzes the downside risks associated with the ubiquitous advance of AI & Automation, and is developing an Independent Audit of AI Systems

• Future of Life Institute
  Advocates on global policy—including AI and autonomous weapons—engaging with lawmakers and institutions to reduce existential risks and ensure transformative technologies benefit humanity

• The Future Society
  Aligns AI through better governance by developing, advocating for, and facilitating implementation of governance mechanisms—from laws and regulations to voluntary frameworks like principles, norms, standards, and corporate policies

• Responsible AI Institute
  A global, member-driven nonprofit providing assessments, certifications, benchmarks, and guidance (such as the RAISE Pathways aligned to global standards) to help organizations operationalize responsible AI governance
  
  

These are our first steps toward mapping this emerging community of learners, thinkers, and builders, who seek to foster a more Human-Centered future where AI makes us better rather than replacing us. Our work will be strengthened by contributions from the community, from people like you. Who did we miss? Please submit additional organizations who are part of this broader movement by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/hV4nNUt8VXLMpn4V8