Google has announced new funding for academic research focused on AI ethics and fairness through its Faculty Research Awards program. The company will support university researchers working to address bias, transparency, and accountability in artificial intelligence systems. This initiative reflects Google’s ongoing effort to promote responsible AI development across the global research community.
(Google’s Faculty Research Awards Fund AI Ethics and Fairness Studies.)
Selected projects will explore practical methods to detect and reduce unfair outcomes in machine learning models. Researchers will also study how to make AI decisions easier to understand for users and developers alike. Google plans to fund work that examines real-world impacts of AI technologies, especially in areas like hiring, lending, and healthcare.
The awards are open to faculty members at accredited universities worldwide. Proposals undergo a competitive review by Google’s research teams. Successful applicants receive unrestricted gifts to support their work, along with access to Google’s tools and datasets where appropriate. Past recipients have used this support to publish influential papers and develop open-source resources widely adopted in the field.
Google says it values collaboration with academia to tackle complex societal challenges posed by emerging technologies. By backing independent research, the company aims to help build AI systems that serve diverse populations fairly. The funded studies will contribute new knowledge and practices that can guide industry standards and public policy.
(Google’s Faculty Research Awards Fund AI Ethics and Fairness Studies.)
This round of funding continues a long-standing partnership between Google and academic institutions. It builds on earlier investments in trustworthy AI and reinforces the company’s commitment to ethical innovation. Researchers interested in applying can find details on Google’s research website.