Your Chance to Participate: CRA & PIT-UN Roundtables on Public Interest and Public Service in Computing

By Janine Myszka, Senior Program Associate, CRA

The Computing Research Association (CRA) and the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) are jointly organizing a series of roundtable discussions focused on public interest technology and public service. The goal of this series is to foster cultural and institutional support for public interest and public service in the computing field by initiating conversations and identifying barriers to engaging in or pursuing this work. 

The final roundtable, scheduled for the first week of February, is open for community input, though space is limited. If you are interested in participating, please apply here. Applications must be received by January 24, 2025, to be considered.

What Can You Expect?

Each roundtable consists of a one-hour call where participants engage in open discussions prompted by a set of guiding questions. CRA and PIT-UN staff take notes during the discussion, synthesize the input, and share the draft notes with participants for review, comments, or edits. 

After completing the series, we aim to produce actionable recommendations that CRA, PIT-UN, and its partners can use to guide outreach and programmatic strategies over the next three years.

What is Public Interest Technology?

You likely have an idea of what public service means, but what exactly is public interest technology (PIT)? It refers to a set of practices for designing, deploying, and governing technology in ways that advance the public good. Interdisciplinary by nature, it requires assessing and addressing the ethical, legal, policy, social, economic, and political implications of technology. PIT draws from technical fields like computer science, data science, and engineering, as well as disciplines such as law, public policy, movement-building, philosophy, the social sciences, the arts, and humanities. PIT emphasizes justice, dignity, and autonomy for all, particularly for those most affected by technological harms. 

Who Is Involved with These Roundtables?

CRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting computing research and education, advancing the field of computer science. PIT-UN is a network of universities and colleges committed to advancing public interest technology. Through fostering collaboration among academic institutions, PIT-UN trains technologists who are mindful of civic responsibilities and dedicated to addressing societal challenges through technology.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Contribute

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of PIT and make your voice heard in advancing cultural and institutional support for public service in computing. Apply now to join the conversation and help drive meaningful change. Applications close on January 24, 2025 — submit yours here today!