About WASP-HS

The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society (WASP-HS) is a research program which research tackles the challenges and impacts of upcoming technology shifts and contributes to the development of theories and practices of human and society aspects of AI and autonomous systems. The particular focus is on the ethical, economic, labor market, social, cultural, and legal aspects of the technological transition. In total, The Wallenberg Foundations are investing up to SEK 660 million in the WASP-HS research program.

The vision of WASP-HS is to realize excellent research and develop competence on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems with a strong investment in research in social science and humanities. The program includes an extensive national graduate school with up to 70 doctoral students, the creation of at least eleven new research groups across Sweden, support for twelve visiting professors to strengthen Swedish research and networking activities, and a number of research projects.

In the past years, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has made significant investments in research on autonomous systems, software, and AI through the program WASP. There is no doubt these technologies will have major effects on our society. WASP-HS was therefore established in order to extend and complement technological research and advances on AI with a strong investment in research in social science and humanities.

This multidisciplinary approach of WASP-HS will advance our understanding of the challenges and impact of intelligent and autonomous technology, as well as contributing to the development of theory and practice of human and societal aspects of AI and autonomous systems. This knowledge will be for the benefit of Swedish society and industry.

The WASP-HS program is planned to run between the years 2019 and 2028 and forms an independent and parallel program to WASP while maintaining a close dialogue with the WASP program. WASP-HS includes the following components:

  • A research program aiming at forming an interdisciplinary community across the funded projects
  • A national graduate school
  • Recruitment of junior and visiting faculty across disciplines
  • International partnerships and activities
  • Cooperation with industry and public agencies

These components are also referred to as Program Instruments. Read more about the WASP-HS Program Instruments.

Governance Structure

The governing of WASP-HS includes a Program Board, an International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB), a Management Team (MT), and a Program Office (PO).