Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology and Law

Interested in how AI is changing the world? Want to learn more about the ethical use of AI? Want to gain real-world research experience outside of a classroom setting? Apply to be an Undergraduate Research Scholar in the Grefenstette Center for Ethics for the 2026-2027 academic year!

Undergraduate Research Scholars work closely with Grefenstette Center staff and affiliated faculty to develop their research interests, present a poster at the fall Tech Ethics Symposium, participate in the spring hackathon, and engage in weekly conversations on tech ethics throughout the year! No previous experience with tech or tech ethics necessary. Duquesne University students from ALL disciplines are welcome!

Applications for the 2026-2027 Undergraduate Research Scholars program are now open! Read the full details and apply today! The application deadline is May 29, 2026.

The Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law at Duquesne University invites scholars and researchers in the United States to apply for the Grefenstette National Research Scholars program for Academic Year 2025-2026. The National Research Scholars program is a small community of scholars from all backgrounds and traditions who come together monthly and discuss their research on the intersections of technology, society, and faith, broadly construed.

We seek seven scholars from all research areas to contribute to the conversation around the responsible use of digital technology and its intersection with religious and/or theological studies. Scholars may come from the academy or from industry (including tech and religious ministry), as long as the individual has a research interest and a plan to develop their research. PhD or terminal degree in one’s field is preferred but not required. Areas of study include but are not limited to critical AI/critical technology studies, responsible AI studies, ethics, religious studies, sociology of religion, intersectional approaches to technology and society, and theology.

The goal of the program is to cultivate a research cohort, to provide peer support, and to generate new and innovative research paths in the intersection of technology and religious studies, especially given the recent development of generative AI. All Scholars receive a stipend, participate in monthly discussions, and contribute their unique perspectives to a year-end virtual public roundtable.

Applications for the 2026-2027 National Research Scholars program are now open! Read the full details and apply today! The application deadline is June 12, 2026.

We are excited to announce the winners of the Second Annual Young Ethicist High School Essay Contest! The top finishers for the 2025-2026 academic year submitted essays that were well written and engaging and substantively addressed the question, “How do we stay human in the age of AI?" These essays provided unique insight into the ethical concerns that AI raises across a variety of timely and important topics.

The winners will visit Duquesne University this spring and meet with the Grefenstette Center's Student Fellows, staff, and Affiliated Faculty to discuss AI ethics research and scholarship, as well as its significance in our everyday lives. They'll also experience life on campus and enjoy a beautiful spring day on the Bluff!

First Place - Caroline Boothby, Avonworth High School, Generative AI in Technical Theater

Second Place - Lily Stefanik, Avonworth High School, The Insertion of AI in Clinical Psychology

Third Place - Camila Intriago, Avonworth High School, Can AI Translation Truly Understand Us?

Honorable Mention - Julia Doherty, Avonworth High School, How Will AI Affect Nursing in the Future?

Honorable Mention - Tessa Burens, Avonworth High School, From Ballet to Bytes: How AI is Changing the Art of Dance

Submissions for the 2026-2027 Young Ethicist Contest will open this fall. See the list of last year's winners and read their essays on our News and Events page.