Lab
The People's AI & Data Lab for Social Research, a hub for computational science at The New School, advances how the social sciences can lead responsible AI grounded in social justice and public purpose. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly reshaping how knowledge is produced and how policy decisions are informed. Yet social scientists and public-interest researchers, particularly women and scholars from the Global South, remain underrepresented in the design, use, and governance of these technologies. As a result, AI systems risk reinforcing existing inequalities and overlooking critical social context. Rooted in The New School's tradition of critical inquiry and socially engaged scholarship, the Lab embeds social science expertise, ethical principles, and diverse leadership into AI research and practice. It convenes researchers, students, and partners to co-create tools, methods, and training that center equity, context, and social impact in technological innovation. The Lab's two signature initiatives put this mission into practice. The KAIA Network (Knowledge and AI for All) is a global digital platform that connects social scientists, AI and machine learning experts, and practitioners working on poverty, gender equality, climate change, and social justice, enabling new interdisciplinary research and tools. The Women in AI Fellowship supports early- and mid-career women researchers from the Global South through applied training, mentorship, and collaborative research, expanding leadership and visibility for women shaping the future of AI and data-driven policy. To learn more, visit https://peoplesaidatalab.org/.