Data Science for Good

Organizations worth noting

• Human Rights Data Analysis Group, who is, from their website, “a non-profit, non-partisan organization that applies rigorous science to the analysis of human rights violations around the world.” In particular, the following “are the data pitfalls that HRDAG has identified.”
  • under-registration
    
  • selection bias
    
  • duplicate reporting and multiple systems estimation
    
  • complexity
    
  • data security

Apply here

• Data Science for Social Good at the University of Chicago. DSSG works hard to train a generation of scientists who are committed to doing good with their data science skills. Apply here
  • DSSG funds and trains fellows & mentors
  • DSSG holds regular conferences
  • DSSG blogs about their projects
• Stanford Computational Policy Lab From their website: Apply here

At the Stanford Computational Policy Lab, we use technology to tackle pressing issues in criminal justice, education, voting rights, and beyond. Leveraging advances in data science, we study the impact of policy choices at unprecedented scales, and build algorithmic tools to guide high-stakes decisions. By bringing a computational perspective to public policy, we aim to improve the lives of millions of people — especially those affected by inefficient and unfair systems and practices.

• The Global Data Ethics Project is built on five principles that provide an ethical framework for doing datascience. They encourage all data scientists to sign the ethics pledge. Apply here

• Classy is an integrated suite of fundraising tools for nonprofits. From their website “We welcome any nonprofits who want to empower their teams to create a modern and engaging online presence.” And later, “Classy is trusted by more than 4,000+ organizations of all sizes and causes, from major events like disease outbreaks, disasters, mass shootings, and social movements, to mainstay world challenges like environmental issues, child trafficking, human rights, and animal rights.” Apply here

• fwd.us is a “group of business and tech leaders committed to meaningful reform and moving America forward.” In particular, fwd.us is working on issues of criminal justice and immigration. They have been involved in pushing the Dream and Promise Act which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Apply here

• MIT Media Lab From their website:

True to Jerry’s vision, for over 30 years Media Lab researchers have anticipated and created technologies to make our lives safer, cleaner, healthier, fairer, and more productive. But along with benefits, technology’s everyday efficiencies have also brought their share of issues: obesity, poverty, ethical implications, bullying, divergent politics. The Media Lab’s antidisciplinary research community is uniquely equipped to address these concerns, leveraging the best that technology has to offer, and connecting technology back to the social and the human. Current Lab research examines the deeper implications of where technology creation and adoption has led us—and where we want to go next.

Apply here

• AI for Good Foundation From their website:

To date, the unbalanced nature of incentives and funding for Artificial Intelligence research has favored commercial applications, such as defense and advertising, at the expense of altruistic applications. Artificial Intelligence research must be applied beyond these sectors — to help solve social, economic, and environmental problems — if it will benefit society to the fullest extent possible.

The Artificial Intelligence for Good Foundation applies Artificial Intelligence research for global sustainable development. Our current projects are helping to advance the global sustainable development agenda — a set of goals adopted by 150 countries to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Get involved

• DataKind From their website:

DataKind is always looking for enthusiastic do-gooders to join us in tackling the world’s toughest problems with data science. We’re a fast-growing, global team that believes in the power of data and collaboration to change the world. We want to build a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the society and communities in which we are located. We’re committed to diversity and actively seek out applicants from groups facing systemic inequities in the tech sector. We also encourage individuals with non-traditional backgrounds to apply and to include and describe parallel or equivalent experience wherever appropriate.

Apply here

Collections of Data Science for Good Resources

Our blog isn’t the only place to find out about data science for good endeavors and opportunities.

• AMSTAT News has a regular column, Stats4Good with resources, suggestions, and musings.

• The National Academies recently focused one of their roundtables on Motivating Data Science Education through Social Good. The complete recorded webcast is available to watch along with a narrative summary.

• Mass Mutual, a leader in data science education, has a regular Data Days for Good initiative.