Teaching & Outreach
The Chair runs and supports numerous initiatives for training students and professionals, contributing to public debates, advising organizations, and widening participation in AI governance.
Courses at
IE University
The UNESCO Chair is responsible for coordinating IE University’s pedagogy and curriculum on AI ethics, with the ambition of ensuring that all IE students receive quality instruction in AI ethics during their time at IE. The Chair develops, delivers, and provides oversight to courses at all levels and all schools. It also supervises student theses and capstone projects within its areas of competence.
Responsible
Tech Salon
The Responsible Tech Salon is a forum for IE alumni to discuss the ethical and social challenges of emerging technologies. Spearheaded by Chair affiliate Iliana Grosse-Buening, it hosts speakers, workshops, and networking events throughout the year. The Salon is co-organized with the TechIEs Alumni Club, sponsored by IE Alumni Engagement and Careers, and co-sponsored by IE School of Humanities and IE School of Science and Technology.
Ethical Crossroads of Emerging Technologies is a V360 simulation that vividly introduces participants to the ethical dilemmas presented by artificial intelligence. Participants strap on VR headsets and are transported to situations where they must make high-stakes decisions about the design and use of AI. The simulation has been viewed by thousands of IE students and was awarded Most Innovative Learning Material in the 2024 IE Case Contest.
Ethical Crossroads of Emerging Technologies
UNESCO AI Ethics Experts Without Borders
UNESCO AI Ethics Experts Without Borders is a body of experts appointed by UNESCO to support the implementation and elaboration of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Members provide strategic support to UNESCO and advisory services to governments and organizations worldwide. Prof. Lechterman was appointed to this body in 2024.
Keynotes, Masterclasses, and Panels
Members of the Chair frequently deliver keynotes and masterclasses and serve on panels at IE and at events hosted by UNESCO and other external partners. These include the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Ljubljana, the EUI Policy Dialogue on AI & Democracy in Florence, IE Africa Center’s Dynamic Digital Government Webinar, and World Summit AI in Amsterdam.
