An initiative to understand and guide societal transformations produced by AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how knowledge is produced, how societies function, and how individuals live and work. While Cornell is already a global leader in the technical development of AI, there is an equally urgent need to understand AI’s implications for culture, governance, ethics, communication, creativity, labor, and social organization. The Humanities, Social Sciences + AI initiative will catalyze interdisciplinary research, teaching and public engagement while preparing Cornell students to critically and constructively shape an AI-driven world.
This initiative brings together faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, and external practitioners to build a durable interdisciplinary ecosystem linking AI to humanistic and social scientific inquiry.
Research: Postdoctoral Fellowships
The initiative is currently recruiting five postdoctoral fellows to join the College of Arts & Sciences for up to two years. Fellows will conduct interdisciplinary research examining AI’s social, political, ethical, cultural, and economic implications while contributing to undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Applications accepted through November 15, 2026.
Education: AI & Society Minor
The College is working with partners across the university to establish an AI & Society minor. The curriculum currently under development will integrate foundational interdisciplinary courses with advanced disciplinary and cross-disciplinary electives. Courses will explore what AI means for people and institutions, from political science and philosophy to history, literature, economics, and sociology.
Engagement: Distinguished Practitioners & Visitors
Leaders from industry, government, civil society, and the cultural sector will join us for working residencies, time with students and faculty, and public talks.
Y Combinator founder Paul Graham ’86 to talk startups Oct. 28