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Public Interest Technology @ GW

Public Interest Technology (PIT) is the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest, generate public benefits, and promote the public good.  By its nature, public interest technology is interdisciplinary and service oriented. This cross-cutting field of research and scholarship bridges disciplines such as engineering, data science, humanities, public policy and law. PIT practitioners think about technology as a tool to solve public problems and they design technology in a socially responsive and ethical manner.

GW is a member of the PIT University Network (PIT-UN). This partnership fosters collaboration between universities and colleges committed to the field of public interest technology and growing a new generation of civic-minded technologists.

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Initiatives

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PIT @ GW

GW centers, institutes, programs, organizations, and initiatives working in the area of public interest technology.

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GW PIT Scholars

An initiative to highlight faculty engaged in research and scholarship in the field of public interest technology.

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Featured Projects

PIT-UN funded projects that foster dialogue around issues of digital technology and train future technologists.

PIT @ GW News

 Public Interest Technology - University Network (PIT-UN) Q4 Update

July 30, 2024
Quarterly update on relevant activities from the GW Open Source Program office.

Public Interest Technology - University Network (PIT-UN) Q3 Update

June 5, 2024 
Quarterly update on relevant activities from the GW Open Source Program office.

GW’s Public Interest Technology Scholars Will Raise the Bar on Conversations about Tech and Civic Interest

March 8, 2024
Elliott School’s Susan Ariel Aaronson, CCAS’s Alexa Alice Joubin and SMPA’s David Karpf comprise the university’s inaugural PIT Scholars cohort.

GW Engineering Professor Wins Grant Uniting Young People, Environmental Justice and Technology

November 9, 2022
Students will monitor urban air quality in Baltimore and perhaps decide to study engineering as a result.

GW Initiative Supporting Equitable Access to Technology Expands

November 22, 2021
The Ethical Tech Initiative of DC received renewal funding from the Public Interest Technology University Network.

Three GW Research Initiatives Awarded PIT-UN Funding

November 13, 2020
These interdisciplinary collaborations will provide opportunities for students to explore careers in public interest technology.

PIT-UN Member Spotlight: George Washington University

November 10, 2020
George Washington University's brings a wealth of PIT experience to the Network, along with three 2020 Network Challenge grantees.

GW Joins University Network to Advance Public Interest Technology

May 15, 2020
University will prepare a new generation of leaders to recognize and consider the societal implications of new technologies.