- Global AI Ethics Institute offers prize for AI ethics publication.
- Wide remit for subject matter from the think tank.
- Preference for authors to take global perspective.
Since the arrival of easily-available AI computing a couple of years ago, questions around the ethics of artificial intelligence have been posited by both the technology and mainstream press.
The Global AI Ethics Institute (GAIEI) has invited authors of works published in 2024 on the subject of AI ethics to submit their work for consideration by the Institute with a $1,000 cash prize on offer. The winning article will also be republished on the GAIEI website.
The inaugural topic for submissions is “AI, ethics and the future of work” with a global perspective. A press release from the GAIEI gives several examples of the type of publication sought:
“How AI affects a country or countries of the global south, far east, etc; or some aspect of AI governance and its consequences; or of structuring AI governance; or an effect of AI on society at large and its ethical dimensions. Any topics having to do with global AI ethics will be considered.”
Ethics as a philosophical debate is as old as the hills, and has been a subject of intellectual discourse since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Applying principles of ethics to the emerging technology of AI is challenging on several levels:
- a lack of understanding of the current methods of producing what we term AI,
- the nascent nature of machine learning and an unpredictable future for the technology,
- the ethics of addressing bias present in learning corpora affecting output from AI algorithms,
- the methods of addressing bias in output in engineering terms,
- the role of governments and peri-governmental bodies in producing normative governance for AI,
- the dichotomy between the private sector’s commercial aspirations and the possible effects of AI use on the human population and the planet.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of ethical debate in AI can be defined as the technology’s position in what Gartner calls the hype cycle, which comprises:
- Technology trigger: Early proof-of-concept stories and media interest trigger significant publicity,
- Peak of inflated expectations: A number of success stories, many failures,
- Trough of disillusionment: Interest fades as early promises fail to deliver,
- Slope of enlightenment: Benefits begin to appear produced by 2nd and 3rd generation providers,
- Plateau of productivity: Mainstream adoption.


By Jeremykemp at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Artificial technology as we currently use it remains somewhere in the 1-2 phases of the hype cycle, and the nature of hype means it’s important that intelligent, rational discussion takes place around the ethics of AI. It’s also important to note that as AI technologies are available on the geographically non-distinct internet, that ethical implications of AI are placed in contexts local to the disparate cultures of the world.
“As leaders, companies, societies and the world, we have to get this right. We look forward to sharing not just the winner, but the key insights we gather from thought leaders in this critical area,” said Kevin LaGrandeur, GAIEI research director.
To be eligible for consideration for the prize, entries must meet two criteria:
- Publication in a recognised medium: Submissions should have been published in 2024 in a reputable and accredited journal, newspaper, magazine, or book (as a chapter).
- Be original work.
Submissions can be made via this email address.


Kevin LeGrandeur of the GAIEI