MARN 

The MARN was created in 2016 to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between security-related agencies and Massey researchers, including developing relationships with research directors from each College, as well as prioritise areas for research. This includes a research seed fund for small exploratory projects to generate new research in priority areas. Dr Germana Nicklin, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, School of People, Environment and Planning, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University is the Convenor of MARN.

MAD

The MAD research group currently consists of four Albany staff members - Professor David Pauleen, Dr. Hamed Jafarzadeh, Dr. Kasuni Weerasinghe, and Dr. Shafiq Alam, two PhD students, and twenty former PhD students and international colleagues. Additional information on MAD can be found at mad.massey.ac.nz.

If you would like more information on this project please contact MAD at mad@massey.ac.nz.

Why this study is need

At the start of the 21st century, technology has become embedded into every aspect of individual and social life. Emerging technologies, such as AI, facial recognition, big data, genetic engineering, IoT, and robotics, along with related governance issues present serious risks as noted in a relatively recent research report on global challenges by a multidisciplinary worldwide group of scientists (Pamlin & Armstrong, 2015)*. Notable scientists and technologists such as Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates caution that robots and Artificial Intelligence could wipe out humanity, and have called for safeguards on AI. Consistent with their concerns, the report asserts that “it is important to understand that much of the knowledge and many tools that we have, and will develop, can be both a risk and a solution to risks depending on context” (Pamlin & Armstrong, 2015, p. 10)*.

Emerging technologies which will greatly affect society are being developed and implemented at an increasing pace, often outstripping government attempts to regulate and the public’s ability to understand them. Implementing technological change without due consideration of stakeholders’ (e.g., citizens, technologists, business, government) perceptions may lead to a host of issues upon the introduction of such technologies into wider use. These may include social, governance, and technology-based issues, including public resistance, as well as technological design and use that does not meet stakeholder expectations. Governance and ethical issues involving inclusion/exclusion, data privacy, and security may also be involved.

GET INVOLVED

We consider this to be an ‘open source’ project.

If you have expertise or area knowledge that you would like to share, please contact us at mad@massey.ac.nz.

If you would like to participate in piloting the survey, please contact us at mad@massey.ac.nz.

Please bookmark this webpage and check back as we will be periodically updating details of the study.