Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology and Law
What does it mean to be ethical in a world of AI?
The Carl G. Grefenstette Center leverages Duquesne University’s commitment to ethics in order to promote partnerships
with leading institutions and to become a transformational force for both Duquesne
and the global community. The Grefenstette Center is the first in the world to bring
Catholic, Spiritan values and ideals in an ecumenical framework to grapple with the growing challenges
presented by science and technology in society. Our vision is to enrich the conversations
and practical implementations of ethics in digital technology by incorporating religious
ethics into future discussion and development. The Grefenstette Center hosts an annual Tech Ethics Symposium each Fall, a student-focused hackathon (Hacking4Humanity) every Spring, and regularly hosts scholars at the intersection of ethics, technology
and faith on campus.
Stay up to date on all Grefenstette Center happenings by signing up for our email
list!
There are many ways to connect with the Grefenstette Center throughout the year, whether
you're a student, faculty, or member of the public!
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 2026-2027. 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.
The Digital Storytelling Lab (DSL) is an initiative of the Grefenstette Center for
Ethics at Duquesne University and is funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment’s
National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life. The goal of the DSL is
to explore the role of technology in contemporary life by inviting young people to
share their personal experiences of faith and spirituality, especially as those experiences
intersect with emerging technologies. These narratives will be disseminated via the
DSL’s digital platforms, creating a wide-ranging and nuanced vision of human relationships
with technology and faith.
The DSL aims to empower individuals to recognize the value of their stories, to see
themselves as storytellers, and to help audiences understand the variety of ways in
which faith and technology intersect today. The 2026-2027 DSL Student Fellowship position is open to all Duquesne University undergraduate
and graduate students. In this project-based role, Student Fellows will support the
work of the DSL by planning and carrying out in-person storytelling events, producing
multimedia storytelling content, and regularly meeting with their DSL Staff Mentor
throughout the year. Read the full call for DSL Student Fellows here. To apply to be a DSL Student Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year, complete this form and upload the required application materials byWednesday, July 1, 2026. Apply today!
The Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law seeks a
one-year postdoctoral fellow to join a community of researchers at the intersection
of critical technology studies, critical AI studies, community technology, ethics,
Christian theology, Catholic Social Teaching, and religious ethics more generally.
Funded by a grant from the Hillman Foundation, this postdoctoral fellow will work
on a substantial research project, as well as participate in the teaching life of
the center. In addition to research and teaching, this role will involve participation
in Center events and programs and assisting in the successful implementation of Center’s
mission and vision.
We welcome proposals from scholars working on substantial research projects related
to subjects noted above. Applicants from all academic disciplines are encouraged to
apply, including, but not limited to, Catholic theology, Christian theology, computer
science, history and philosophy of science, philosophy, religious studies, science
and technology studies, sociology.
Read the full details of this position and apply here! Review of applicants will begin in May 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!
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.
Duquesne Receives $5 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment
Duquesne University’s Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology
and Law has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its National
Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life 2025. The grant will support the
creation of a Digital Storytelling Lab (DSL) to empower young people to share their
life experiences.
Senior Research Fellow, Vernon F. Gallagher Chair & Professor, Center for Global Health
Ethics
About Us
The Grefenstette Center takes an unflinching look at the ethical intersections of
science and technology by working with partners at Duquesne, in Pittsburgh, and across
the world.
Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law
