ADAPT Leads Major National AI Literacy Campaign for Older Adults Funded by Research Ireland

The ADAPT Research Ireland Centre at Dublin City University (DCU), in partnership with TU Dublin, has secured significant national funding to lead Ireland’s first dedicated AI literacy campaign for older adults. Backed by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, the ‘Age-Friendly AI’: Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative will engage over 60,000 older people across the country, ensuring their voices shape the future of artificial intelligence in Ireland.

Building on ADAPT’s award-winning public engagement programmes, such as #DiscussAI, this nationwide campaign will include citizen think-ins, co-creation workshops, public participation events, and a national roadshow. Through these initiatives, Age-Friendly AI aims to empower older adults to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, from understanding data privacy to recognising misinformation.

Dr Emma Clarke, Engaged Research Lead at the ADAPT Research Centre, DCU, highlights the potential for societal impact: “Age-Friendly AI: Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative builds on the ADAPT Centre’s track record in driving AI dialogue and literacy through its #DiscussAI programme.

This new initiative will leverage ADAPT public engagement formats such as Citizens’ Think-Ins to prioritise reaching communities often excluded from AI conversations, ensuring their ideas contribute to co-creating an AI literacy initiative that serves them. Taking a human-centred approach is vital for the positive societal impact of AI.”

The groundbreaking initiative responds to research indicating that while older adults see the benefits of AI in areas like health and mobility, they also express concerns about its complexity and risks. ‘Age-Friendly AI’ will work closely with trusted partners, including Age Action, Age Friendly Ireland, CSLinc, the Centre for Smart Ageing, Insight, the National Disability Authority, the RDI Hub, Senior Times, Workday, and evaluation partner Stickydot.

“AI is rapidly changing our world, and it’s crucial that older adults are not left behind,” said Paula Kelly, the ‘Age-Friendly AI’ initiative lead at TU Dublin. “This initiative will ensure that older people have a voice in the development and use of AI, and will help to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive future.”

The ‘Age-Friendly AI’ initiative is led by researchers based in TU Dublin and the Education and Public Engagement (EPE) team at ADAPT in DCU and has been funded as part of Research Ireland’s Discover Programme, which focuses on creating meaningful public engagement with STEM, emphasising collaboration with communities. The Discover programme seeks to drive innovation in STEM education and public engagement, contributing to Ireland’s industry, enterprise and societal progress.

The project was officially launched by Francis Brennan, Age Friendly Ireland Ambassador for Kerry, at TU Dublin on 27 March 2024. There are many ways to get involved and contribute to this important conversation. Visit the Age-Friendly AI website for the latest news and upcoming events: https://agefriendlyai.ie/