![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Group-35-1.png)
Values In
Technology
Advancement
Lab
Values In Technology Advancement Lab
Facilitate conversations about the ethics and social impact on technology
Values
In
Technology
Advancement
Lab
Values In Technology Advancement Lab
Facilitating conversations about the ethics and social impact of technology
VITAL is an ethics lab led by Viterbi’s Engineering in Society program. The lab’s acronym speaks to the vital need to critically engage with the ethics and social impact of technology while also acknowledging that advancements in technology are the lifeblood of progress.
Just as physiological vital signs, such as heart rate or body temperature, reflect essential bodily functions and are indicative of health or sickness, this lab’s vital signs reflect our core values:
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Prioritizing research and development efforts that have the potential to generate positive societal impact, improve quality of life, and address pressing global challenges
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-morale-50-1-1.png)
Recognizing the ethical implications of technological advancements and promoting responsible and ethical use of technology for the benefit of society
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-courthouse-64.png)
Fostering civic growth and development through, and at times despite, technological advances to empower individuals to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-open-lock-48.png)
Ensuring that technological advancements are accessible and inclusive, with a focus on addressing the needs of diverse populations
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Promoting collaboration across Viterbi and USC among professors, industry professionals, and students to leverage collective expertise and resources
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-innovation-90-1.png)
Encouraging and fostering a culture of innovation to drive technological progress and development
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-teaching-50-1.png)
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Embracing a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a commitment to staying abreast of emerging technologies, best practices, and evolving societal needs
Prioritizing research and development efforts that have the potential to generate positive societal impact, improve quality of life, and address pressing global challenges
Encouraging and fostering a culture of innovation to drive technological progress and development
Fostering civic growth and development through, and at times despite, technological advances to empower individuals to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/icons8-teaching-50-1.png)
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Embracing a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a commitment to staying abreast of emerging technologies, best practices, and evolving societal needs
Recognizing the ethical implications of technological advancements and promoting responsible and ethical use of technology for the benefit of society
Ensuring that technological advancements are accessible and inclusive, with a focus on addressing the needs of diverse populations
Promoting collaboration across Viterbi and USC among professors, industry professionals, and students to leverage collective expertise and resources
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iStock-1297448470-1.png)
The Ethos Project is a dynamic component of the VITAL lab, fostering the development of a variety of projects in their pilot phases. Situating this ideas incubator within VITAL encourages the exploration of sociotechnical values and the broadening of student participation in ethics-focused endeavors within and beyond the classroom.
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Viterbi Conversation in Ethics magazine
Viterbi Conversations in Ethics is an educational forum for reasoned, informed, and relevant discussion of engineering ethics. Written, edited, and published by USC Viterbi School of Engineering students, Viterbi Conversations in Ethics will publish exceptional student work and responses, counter-points, and new perspectives from both peers and professionals.
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iStock-1408304097-1.png)
A practitioner or research fellow in tech ethics will engage in rigorous research, produce publications, and serve as a mentor and facilitator during Tech Ethics Workshops
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Ethics Across the Viterbi Curriculum Initiative
(Currently called Ethics consultations for Viterbi Faculty) Viterbi faculty are invited to book appointments with Engineering in Society and VITAL affiliate faculty to discuss ethics and social impact modules, learning outcomes, and assignments
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In collaboration with the Philosophy Department, VITAL trains and sponsors the USC Association for Practical and Professional Ethics Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team
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Distinguished Lecture Series
Postdoctoral fellows across USC are invited to join the VITAL discussion group to network, collaborate, and get to know other fellows interested in interdisciplinary approaches to engaging with advances in technology.
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iStock-162922472-1.png)
Viterbi Ethics in Industry Cohorts
The Ethics in Industry Cohort is composed of engineering-based industry professionals who are interested in the ethics and social impact of technology.
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Frame-18-4.png)
Interdisciplinary Post-Doc Discussion Group
Postdoctoral fellows across USC are invited to join the VITAL discussion group to network, collaborate, and get to know other fellows interested in interdisciplinary approaches to engaging with advances in technology.
![Image](https://eis.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Frame-18-4.png)
The Good Life is a series of luncheon discussions for undergraduate engineering students dedicated to exploring what it means to live a good life as a person and as an engineer.
Discover the talented individuals who drive VITAL forward. Our team is comprised of passionate professionals who bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the table.
Published on February 7th, 2024
Last updated on July 1st, 2024