The Marconi Society sustains itself through partnerships, grants, and philanthropy. As we continue to grow our programming at the intersection of digital equity and advanced technology, our network of supporters play a vital role in making our work possible. Through the Funding Digital Inclusion series, we interview the change makers who invest in the future of digital equity.
In this article, we interview Dr. Francine Berman, a professor of computer science at the University of Massachusetts who was appointed by President Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities in recognition of her leadership within data science and her perspectives on the socio-environmental impact of connected technologies.
Dr. Berman recently co-authored a research article with sociologist Jennifer Lundquist that explores the role of whistleblowers in the technology industry, and examines why so many prominent whistleblowers have been women.
Dr. Berman will also participate in the Marconi Society’s annual symposium and gala, The Decade of Digital Inclusion 2022, as a panelist on the session, Is the Internet Business Model Broken? Balancing User Needs with Business Interests. Learn more about the November 3 event here.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m Director of Public Interest Technology and Stuart Rice Honorary Research Professor at UMass Amherst. I’m leading an all-campus initiative in Public Interest Tech (PIT@UMass) that prepares students to address a wide range of challenges using the tools of modern technology in a socially responsible way.
Advancing society in the digital age requires us to combine innovation and public-focused social controls. It calls on us to re-focus education and our professional priorities and behavior to more effectively promote the public interest. Our goal with PIT@UMass is to prepare students to be responsible professionals who can help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of a digital world.
In a way, a public interest focus has been part of every job I’ve ever had. As a faculty researcher and educator, Director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and co-founder of the international Research Data Alliance, promoting the common good has always been a key driver of my work. It’s a pleasure to be focusing on this at UMass Amherst, an outstanding land grant university whose faculty is committed to benefiting the larger world through their teaching and research efforts.
2. What is your history with the Marconi Society?
I joined the Marconi Board last fall after talking with Vint Cerf and Samantha Schartman-Cycyk. Our focus on digital equity and the digital divide is important to me and a good fit with my interests and experience. I was also delighted to be on the Board when the Marconi Prize was given to Andrea Goldsmith, a friend and colleague from CS. Andrea’s work is really important and it’s great to see her recognized.
3. Why is digital equity important to you?
We live in a digital world where private sector priorities often over-ride public interest protections. In this world, there is growing disparity with respect to who benefits from technology and who is at risk for exploitation. As digital technologies become more and more ubiquitous, their downside—intrusion, inequity, misinformation, security threats, etc.—must be addressed by companies, understood by customers, and managed by the public sector. If we want to thrive as humans in a socio-technical world, equity, ethics, and the public interest need to be a core part of the equation. How do we make today’s digital technologies equitable? How do we make tech good for us? These questions drive my own interests and professional priorities.
4. What inspired you to make a donation to the Marconi Society?
My donation to Marconi was part of my commitment as a Board member to support the organization and its good work. I think that this is important. When I was Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Anita Borg Institute (focused on promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in tech), we also asked the Board to donate to the organization. We had both student Board members and C-suite Board members from Silicon Valley’s largest companies. All gave what they could to show their commitment to the organization and all of it was meaningful. The Marconi Society takes this same approach and I’m happy to be one of its donors.
5. How do you hope to impact the world through philanthropy?
I am just beginning to think through my own approach to philanthropy. Like many, I’ve started at home, trying to share my resources with my children to contribute to their future and level the playing field in an economic environment that is particularly challenging for today’s millennials. With respect to the broader community, I focus on contributions to groups that are trying to make an impact, and who will provide resources that create greater opportunity and a more level playing field. I’m always happy to see philanthropic investment in research and education to complement federal investments as I believe that these are fundamental to societal advancement.
