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!

SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL LIST

Engagement Opportunities

There are many ways to connect with the Grefenstette Center throughout the year, whether you're a student, faculty, or member of the public!

On November 6 and 7, 2025, Duquesne University will host Staying Human in the Age of AI, the sixth annual Grefenstette Center for Ethics Tech Ethics Symposium. The Symposium is a national conference that examines how generative AI is transforming the way we see ourselves, and others, as humans: in relationships, in communities, across borders, and in the classroom. This event will feature national speakers, student and faculty discussions, community conversations, and a wide variety of research and teaching best practices on display. 

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit posters to present at the Symposium on any aspect of technology ethics! All accepted posters will receive a $75 award to offset printing costs. On top of this award, accepted posters will compete for the following prizes:

Undergraduate Students:

Outstanding Researcher Award ($400) for the poster that exemplifies the best of undergraduate research and its applications for technology ethics

Ethical PA Award ($400) for the poster that best addresses ethical technology questions and concerns of people around Pittsburgh or throughout Pennsylvania

Pope Francis Award ($400) for the poster that best exemplifies the Catholic ethic of service, encounter, and love, as encompassed in Pope Francis’ approach to technology  

Graduate Students: Grand Prize ($400); Runner-Up ($200) 

Additionally, all posters will be eligible for $100 "Audience Choice" awards, for which Symposium attendees will cast their vote during the event. 

Rules & Eligibility:

  • Complete this form and submit the poster by 11:59pm on Friday, October 17!
  • Submissions may come from individuals or teams. Only one poster per team. 
  • Poster size must be 36" x 44" 
  • Posters may come from any academic discipline. 
  • Any current undergraduate or graduate student, from any university, is eligible to submit a poster. 
  • If accepted, at least one author must be physically present to present the poster. 
  • Generative AI may NOT be used to create the poster. All posters will be scanned, and AI-generated posters will be disqualified.
  • See a full list of guidelines and recommendations here.
Submit Your Poster Here
The Grefenstette Center for Ethics is excited to announce its second annual Young Ethicist Essay Competition. Pittsburgh area high school students are invited to submit essays that address the question, "How do we stay human in the age of AI?" We are looking for well written and engaging essays that substantively address this guiding question and provide insight into the ethical issues that arise relative to AI's role in contemporary human life.

Young Ethicist Essay Competition winners will receive a cash award for their work. First prize will receive $250, second $150, third $100, and honorable mention $50. Winners are also invited to join Grefenstette Center staff, Undergraduate Fellows, and Affiliated Faculty on campus at Duquesne University in the spring of 2026, to engage in a seminar about the future of ethics and technology. Additionally, all winning essays will be published on the Grefenstette Center's website.

Rules & Eligibility:
  1. Submitting student must turn 17 before January 1, 2026.
  2. Student must attend a high school in Western Pennsylvania.
  3. Essays must be no longer than 750 words in length.
  4. Essays must be submitted by December 12, 2025.
  5. Essays must be written by the student alone. Use of generative Al is forbidden

Read the full call for essays

See the list of last year's winners and read their essays on our Media and Events page.Submit Your Essay
Interested in the ethics and responsible use of technology? Want to gain real-world experience outside of a classroom setting? The Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law is proud to offer an undergraduate scholarship program for four Duquesne University students each academic year! 

Undergraduate Student Fellows work closely with Center staff and affiliated faculty to build their research interests, present a poster at the fall Tech Ethics Symposium, participate in the spring hackathon, and engage in monthly conversations on tech ethics throughout the year! No previous experience with tech or tech ethics necessary. Students from ALL disciplines are welcome!

Applications for the 2025-2026 Undergraduate Student Fellowship are closed. Details of the 2026-2027 program will be posted in Spring 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 will receive a stipend of $2000 for the year, participate in monthly discussions, and be part of a year-end virtual public roundtable.

Applications for the 2025-2026 National Research Scholars are closed. Details of the 2026-2027 program will be posted in Spring 2026.

Grefenstette Center Hosts Anatomy of an AI System

The Grefenstette Center for Ethics, the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Science and Engineering are honored to bring to campus Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler's world-famous artwork, Anatomy of an AI System (2018). You can see this "anatomical case study of the Amazon Echo" on the third floor of College Hall, where it will remain on display until May 2027. Do not miss the opportunity to engage with a work of art that raises critical ethical questions as it helps everyone to understand exactly what goes into a single piece of AI technology!

Who We Are

Staff and Fellows of the Grefenstette Center

John P. Slattery

John P. Slattery

Executive Director

Mia E. Briceño

Mia E. Briceño

Director of Programs

Ciara Reyes-Ton

Ciara Reyes-Ton

Grants and Media Consultant

Rachael Miller Neilan

Rachael Miller Neilan

Faculty Fellow, Professor, Adrian Van Kaam, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Scholarly Excellence

Grace Sommers

Grace Sommers

Budget Manager

Florence M. Chee

Florence M. Chee

Advisory Fellow

Nathan Colaner

Nathan Colaner

Advisory Fellow

Ehi Nosakhare

Ehi Nosakhare

Advisory Fellow

Gerard Magill

Gerard Magill

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