Data Science Institute
Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign

CNTR Tech & Policy Summer School

CNTR Tech & Policy Summer School

About the Program

Brown University Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign (CNTR) is launching an AI Policy Summer School for graduate students from Tuesday, July 22nd, through Thursday, July 31st, 2025. This summer school will take place in both Providence, RI and Washington, DC. 

The goals of this summer school are to:

  • enable graduate students to conduct high-quality policy-informed AI research
  • empower students to advocate for new AI policies or changes to existing policy
  • build a pipeline of qualified technologists to fill emerging needs in government 

What to Expect

In the first week, you will participate in seminars, reading groups, and discussions in collaboration with Brown CNTR and many guest speakers. During this time, you will learn the fundamentals of AI Policy - starting with how the U.S. federal government works and proceeding through a tour of the important hallmark efforts on AI Policy to date (like, for example, the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, which was coauthored by Brown CNTR's very own Prof Suresh Venkatasubramanian). 

In the second week, we will travel to Washington, D.C. to discuss any relevant draft legislation and general AI policy priorities with offices of Members of Congress. We will also meet with some executive agencies and civil society to learn about their AI policy efforts and priorities. 

At Brown, the students will study the following topics:

  • How US government works
  • The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, the AI Executive Orders, the US Congress’s AI policy efforts
  • Policy levers for national security and export controls, consumer protection, government acquisition and procurement, and platform governance and competition
  • AI audits and government-backed benchmarking efforts
  • Risks from highly advanced AI systems, future risks, and the role of government
  • Efforts outside the federal government, like the EU AI Act and State regulatory efforts (e.g., California SB 1047)
  • The efficacy of regulation in sectors like aviation, banking, and healthcare
     
Participants will be required to:
  • attend all events in person in Providence, RI and Washington, DC
  • read AI policy papers and artifacts, and lead at least one discussion on such an artifact
  • come prepared and actively participate in all seminars, reading groups, and meetings
  • schedule and lead meetings with Congressional offices (with support from CNTR!)
  • research Members of Congress, Executive Agencies, or civil society organizations to prepare for meetings
  • follow up after the event

Confirmed Guest Speakers

This summer school will bring together many exciting speakers who are leaders in AI policy. Our confirmed speakers so far include: 

Eligibility

The event is open to graduate students and postdocs in computing and affiliated fields. This program will consider applications from highly dedicated undergraduates as well. No prior experience with policy or advocacy is required.

We are looking for students with a passion to directly contribute to the design of AI policy or to conduct policy-informed research in computing. Priority will be given to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents, but this program is open to internationals as well. Priority will also be given to constituents of less represented States (e.g., applicants with personal ties to New Mexico will be prioritized over applicants from Massachusetts).

Limited funding is available to cover travel, lodging, and meals.

Decisions will be communicated by April 18th at the latest.

Contact Professor Serena Booth with questions or concerns.

Apply Now

Go to the application portal

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professor serena booth standing in front of the capitol building in DC