Digital technologies have revolutionised how people communicate, collaborate, work, and learn. They have unlocked endless new possibilities, offering solutions to societal challenges like healthcare, poverty and democratic processes. However, these technologies also have severe social consequences. They introduce new forms of inequality, exclusion and marginalization. Vulnerable individuals are increasingly left out of a fast-changing digital life, resulting in a digital divide between those with digital skills and access, and those without.

Collaboration and innovation

The interdisciplinary, UvA-wide community Responsible Digital Transformations aims to analyse, criticise and improve ethical, juridical, and societal aspects of algorithms, digital technologies and infrastructures. Our core belief is that digital technologies should be used to enhance individual and societal wellbeing and must safeguard human rights and public values. Across the UvA, top-class researchers are dedicated to putting this belief into practice.

Responsible Digital Transformations unites these researchers across faculties, and strengthens their collaborations with societal partners. Bridging technical and social research, we encourage dialogue between software engineers, technology designers, social justice experts, and philosophers. We empower researchers to explore innovative methodologies and co-creation to integrate the voices of citizens, organizations, government, or companies into the research design.