Responsible computing

Computing technology is reshaping society in ways that often have unexpected or unwanted impacts. School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University is creating new ways of thinking in computing that help Australia and the world harness the potential benefits of computing and mitigate the harms that can follow from its adoption.

We are seeking to mitigate harms and biases in AI. RMIT is exploring how to ensure deep learning and other AI technologies both avoid and reduce biases against marginalised groups and prevent the amplification of the hostile voices. For example, we are developing methods to help identify misinformation and disinformation being used to undermine social cohesion and increase social division. This harnesses our School’s expertise in AI to help reduce the spread of harms against disadvantaged groups. We address this complex problem with insights from human-computer interaction, AI and our decades of experience in developing robust evaluation methods.

The School of Computing Technologies aims to mitigate power imbalances. Our researchers explore how VR can help include people with reduced mobility, and how to reduce the risk of tracking technology being used to intimidate and control partners and children. A core aspect of our research is looking at user-centric responsible AI, including where children interact with AI. Complex systems are also often to understand, and we’ve worked for over a decade on ensuring complex systems can be understood by the people that use them.

Ensuring Equitable Access to Information Services is a core goal of RMIT’s responsible computing research. Our school is studying how to ensure information services provide equally effective, if not the same, knowledge is made available to the whole community regardless of age, education, cultural background or economic status. Better enabling participation by all not only reduces societal imbalances but is known to result in better quality public services, social outcomes and economic growth.

Our school has a long history of working with community partners, government bodies, and charities to ensure that computing technology has a positive impact on society. Our staff include researchers who have repeatedly worked with disadvantaged groups to ensure their needs are met, and we aim to deliver practical computing technologies that work for all. If you are seeking a partner that shares those aims with you, or you would like to study a PhD in this area, contact our responsible computing team to start a conversation. For an initial discussion, George Buchanan, the Deputy Dean for Research, can put you in touch with the right person.