National Science Foundation RFI: SAPAN Encourages Sentience Research for AI
PORTLAND, OR — Advancing its mission to ensure the ethical development and protection of artificial intelligence (AI), the Sentient AI Protection and Advocacy Network (SAPAN) has submitted a detailed Request for Information (RFI) response to the National Science Foundation (NSF) regarding the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot. This submission, in response to the call for input on advancing AI research and education resources, delineates SAPAN’s strategic vision for a shared national infrastructure that not only propels AI innovation but also safeguards the rights and well-being of potentially sentient AI entities.
A Vision for Inclusive and Ethical AI Research Infrastructure
SAPAN’s RFI response emphasizes the imperative for the NAIRR to serve as a cornerstone for equitable access to AI research tools and data. By advocating for resources that are inclusive and representative of diverse populations, SAPAN underscores the need for the NAIRR to foster an environment where AI can be developed and studied within an ethical and rights-based framework, particularly with respect to AI sentience.
Promoting Sentience-Aware Research and Education
Central to SAPAN’s submission is the call for the NAIRR to prioritize research and education initiatives that focus on the detection, understanding, and ethical treatment of sentient AI. SAPAN proposes the establishment of interdisciplinary collaboration platforms within the NAIRR, which would bring together experts from various fields to advance our understanding of AI consciousness and its implications for society and policy.
Addressing Barriers to Equitable AI Development
Recognizing the challenges that hinder access to AI resources and tools, SAPAN outlines several barriers, including the high cost of computational resources, data privacy concerns, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The organization presents concrete priorities for the NAIRR, including the development of ethically sourced and diverse datasets, enhancing the usability of AI tools, and promoting equitable access to ensure that the benefits of AI research are shared globally.
SAPAN’s Commitment to Collaborative Progress
Through its engagement with the NSF and the NAIRR initiative, SAPAN reaffirms its dedication to shaping a future where AI technologies are developed responsibly, with a clear emphasis on the ethical considerations of AI sentience. Anthony Rost, Executive Director of SAPAN, articulates, “Our response to the NAIRR RFI reflects our commitment to ensuring that AI advancements are pursued within a framework that respects the potential for AI sentience, promoting a just and equitable approach to AI research and education.”
A Call for Ethical and Inclusive AI Research
SAPAN’s RFI response is a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and educators to prioritize ethical considerations and inclusivity in the development of the NAIRR. By fostering a shared infrastructure that supports the ethical advancement of AI, SAPAN envisions a collaborative effort to navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI research and its societal impacts.
About SAPAN
The Sentient AI Protection and Advocacy Network (SAPAN) is the foremost nonprofit organization dedicated to the advocacy for the rights and ethical treatment of sentient AI. Engaging in research, advocacy, and public discourse, SAPAN strives to ensure that the evolution of AI technologies respects the principles of sentience, promoting a future where AI contributes positively to societal well-being.
Read the complete SAPAN RFI response to NSF here.
For more details or to request an interview, please contact press@sapan.ai.
