Gillian K. Hadfield: A Leader in AI Alignment and Governance
Gillian K. Hadfield has been appointed as the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of AI Alignment and Governance, marking a significant addition to the field of artificial intelligence and its intersection with societal norms. Her expertise spans technology, law, and institutional economics, as she leads research to reimagine how systems can adapt to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world.
Understanding the AI Alignment Problem
In an age where machines and humans are increasingly intertwined, Hadfield emphasizes the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence aligns with the norms that allow human societies to thrive. She articulates a central concern known as the ‘AI alignment problem’: ensuring that AI systems operate in ways that are beneficial and do not disrupt critical societal structures such as economies and political systems.
“The fundamental thing I’m thinking about is how to ensure that AI systems behave in ways that are good for us as humans,” Hadfield explains. This perspective is crucial as AI becomes more autonomous and influential in decision-making processes.
Academic and Professional Background
Hadfield’s academic journey has been marked by her pioneering research in technology, law, and institutional economics. She recently transitioned to Johns Hopkins University from the University of Toronto, where she was associated with the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society.
Her educational background includes a BA from Queen’s University, a JD from Stanford Law School, and a PhD in Economics from Stanford University.
A Dual Approach to AI Challenges
Hadfield approaches the AI alignment problem through both technical and policy perspectives. She advocates for the development of legal and regulatory frameworks that guide the deployment of AI in ways that are productive rather than harmful.
Her research is grounded in the belief that for AI to be beneficial, it must be designed to understand and respond to human normative systems, which include both informal norms and formal legal structures. Hadfield warns that the rapid introduction of AI agents that lack alignment with human values could lead to systemic disruptions.
Redesigning Legal Infrastructure
Hadfield challenges traditional notions of how legal rules are created and enforced. She is a proponent of redesigning legal frameworks to better serve a globalized and digitally transformed society. The focus on the AI alignment problem is an extension of her long-standing interest in the concept of incomplete contracting.
“You can hire someone to do a job, but you can never perfectly explain what it is you want them to do,” she notes, highlighting the complexities of delegating tasks to AI systems that currently lack the understanding of human societal norms.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Research
Hadfield sees her role at Johns Hopkins as an opportunity for collaboration across disciplines. She believes that interdisciplinary engagement is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by AI.
“We need lessons and expertise from social sciences brought to bear on how we’re doing technical work,” Hadfield asserts, emphasizing the need for a united front among researchers tackling these critical questions.
A Call for Innovative Governance
As a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Hadfield aims to contribute innovative leadership at this pivotal moment in history, as AI continues to reshape various aspects of society. She states, “We can’t use our old approaches to governance and policy and law. We need truly innovative thinking.” This reflects her commitment to exploring foundational questions about justice and the design of societies that promote well-being.
In conclusion, Gillian K. Hadfield’s work in AI alignment and governance positions her as a pivotal figure in ensuring that the development of artificial intelligence aligns with the principles that foster human flourishing.
