Michael Wolman

Privacy is often confused with secrecy, and secrecy is often viewed negatively. It blocks promising avenues and slows innovation, among other hindrances. Privacy, however, is a far more nuanced, often empowering, and crucial right, especially in an age in which ubiquitous technology has the power…

From February 27 – 29, Planet Texas 2050 held its annual symposium. If you couldn’t make it, fear not: we’ve compiled highlights of some of the compelling and surprising things we learned! (You can watch full videos of the sessions on our YouTube channel.)

Whole Communities–Whole Health’s annual research showcase is typically a chance for the UT Grand Challenge to show off its achievements from the previous year. This year, however, WCWH’s leaders devoted the morning session to an inaugural flash funding competition they hope will lead to future…

On one sweltering day in the summer of 2023, the thermometer in Austin hit a sizzling 110°F. Central Texans experienced the hottest summer since records began in 1897. The capital saw 80 days with 100-degree heat or over, and less than 1.5 inches of rain from June through August. It was part of a…

Imagine a city that can predict traffic jams before they happen, optimize energy use based on real-time weather data and even warn residents about how a nearby fire might spread. What once sounded futuristic is now on the horizon thanks in part to researchers from "A Good System for Smart Cities,"…

As artificial intelligence reshapes society, The University’s Good Systems grand challenge is emerging as a valuable resource for policymakers and national security advisors grappling with AI's ethical implications. The interdisciplinary team of researchers has been engaging with government…

The University of Texas at Austin's Good Systems program is pleased to announce advancements in its research on critical cross-cutting themes in ethical AI. Last year, Good Systems, a leader in interdisciplinary research on the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence (AI),…

In September, a story broke about a group of well-known conservative influencers who unwittingly became shills of a Russian disinformation campaign. The Justice Department has indicted two Russian nationals for orchestrating the scheme, which allegedly funneled almost $10 million through a U.S…

For Whole Communities–Whole Health (WCWH), building trust isn't just a means to an end — it's a goal in and of itself.

Amid the hustle and bustle of cities across the country, a largely invisible network of surveillance cameras silently observes the ebb and flow of urban life. These cameras, embedded into traffic lights, streetlamps and even police body armor, promise to enhance public safety, streamline urban…