Ethics Board
The Ethics Board ensures that all AI and Machine Learning (ML) tools developed and used within DT-GEO comply with ethical standards, particularly the EU’s 7 Key Requirements for Trustworthy AI. It assesses ethical implications, promotes transparency, and fosters trust among project participants and society.
Purpose and Objectives
Evaluating the use of AI/ML in the development and deployment of DTCs to ensure alignment with EU’s principles for trustworthy AI.
Facilitating open communication about AI processes and their societal impacts, while minimizing potential risks
Drafting ethical standards encompassing fairness, accountability, privacy, and transparency in AI development.
Supporting ongoing assessment of social and environmental impacts of AI solutions within the project.
Composition
The Ethics Board comprises leading researchers from partner institutions, each bringing expertise in AI ethics and geophysical science:
- Marisol Monterrubio (BSC)
- Steven J. Gibbons (NGI)
- Ramon Carbonell (GEO3BNC-CSIC)
- Flavio Cannavò (INGV)
- Cedric Bhihe (BSC)
- Jörn Behrens (University of Hamburg)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ethics Board was created following the project’s first General Review to address ethical concerns related to AI in geophysical applications.
The review emphasized the importance of human oversight and ethical decision-making when deploying AI in sensitive domains like hazard forecasting and environmental modeling.
The Board evaluates AI systems against the EU’s ethical principles, including human oversight, data privacy, fairness, and accountability.
It drafts guidelines and supports project teams in implementing ethical best practices.
The seven requirements are:
- Human Agency and Oversight
- Robustness and Safety
- Privacy and Data Governance
- Transparency
- Diversity, Non-discrimination, and Fairness
- Societal and Environmental Well-being
- Accountability
Transparency is achieved through open communication about AI processes, documentation of data and algorithms, and alignment with the FAIR principles:
- Findable,
- Accessible,
- Interoperable,
- and Reusable
The Ethics Board is an advisory body. It provides recommendations and guidance to ensure the project aligns with ethical standards, but final decisions are made by the project management team.
If concerns arise, the Ethics Board works with project teams to assess the issue, identify solutions, and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and EU legislation, such as the AI Act.
