A newly published article highlights collective efforts to address key questions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can best serve society. As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, the study also points to a key gap: the lack of shared, evidence-based research priorities to guide human roles alongside AI. Westat Vice President Liz Mannshardt, PhD, Director, Statistics and Data Science, was among the coauthors.
To address the gap, researchers participated in a large-scale, collaborative summit in fall 2025 organized by RTI International and Elon University, engaging nearly 500 individuals across disciplines. Using a hybrid meeting approach, facilitated discussion groups, and AI-supported analysis, the team identified pressing research questions focused on trade-offs in AI use, varied human experiences with AI, and the optimization of human–AI collaboration.
A central finding is the value of “human-in-the-loop” approaches, where human judgment and AI tools work together to strengthen insights and decision-making. Additionally, the need for transparency, accessibility, and reliable governance structures was emphasized. The study also demonstrates the power of multidisciplinary research, bringing a range of perspectives together to shape practical agendas.
This work offers a scalable model for aligning innovation with societal needs, ensuring AI development remains grounded in human priorities and ethical principles.
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Authors: Brian Southwell, Lee Rainie, Katie Bowler Young, Maria Gallardo-Williams, Tony Kipkemboi, James Edward Redden, Matthew Strobl, Jon Accarrino, Evan Bunnage, Robert Chew, Schuyler DeBree, Heather Griffiths, Haley Hickman, Rachel Levy, Selena Monk, Rachel Page, Jessica Reif, Rebecca Ivic, and Elizabeth Mannshardt