No human-designed system or algorithm is perfect – each has flaws, biases and vulnerabilities. Many of these issues are from failing to consider human values. Systems or products are less likely to be used when they’re difficult to operate. Lack of public support for new technology, despite its potential for a positive contribution, can mean it’s not accepted within society.
Value sensitive design brings human values to the forefront of the technical design process. It considers the influence of culture and technology on one another and provides strategies for identifying and incorporating social and moral values into information technology design and development.
The value dimension of defence engineering is important for further development, social acceptance and moral acceptability of defence technological innovations and military operations. We specialise in teasing out how social value systems interact with and influence the research, design and development of emerging military and security technology.
From autonomous weapon systems and robots to drones and cyber security enhancement systems, we explore the questions of the interdependence of technology and governance in both military and civil contexts. Using a unique methodology, we’re building systems that are more effective, efficient and better accepted by society to help support the defence industry.
We aim to be the global leader in the value dimension of weapon systems and security engineering research and analysis. We're committed to encouraging responsible design, innovation and technology deployment in the defence and security space. We're particularly interested in emerging technologies including:
We are pursuing these goals by:
We are proud to collaborate with several distinguished partners, networks, and institutions including: