AI for Public Health
Driving innovation by integrating secure, ethical, and effective AI and digital solutions to revolutionize education, research, and practice in academic public health.
ASPPH’s Leadership: Task Force for Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
In response to growing global interest in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen healthcare systems and respond to public health threats, ASPPH established the Task Force for the Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Practice, and Education, to develop promising practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI in public health education, research, and practice. Grounded in four pillars – teaching and learning, education, practice, and policy – the task force explores how technology can enhance public health through data literacy, scalable infrastructure, and equitable access. Its goal is to ensure AI adoption prioritizes safety, accountability, and innovation while preparing the next generation for a tech-enabled public health workforce.
Why Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Matters
Embracing the Future
This work is critical as technology rapidly transforms how we teach, learn, and practice public health. Without a coordinated and ethical approach, we risk falling behind in preparing students and professionals for a digitally interconnected world and workforce. The taskforce ensures that academic public health remains agile, impactful, and forward-looking in the face of accelerating technological change.
AI presents powerful opportunities:
- Improving public health surveillance and crisis response
- Advancing personalized, data-driven education
- Enabling efficient, equitable allocation of healthcare resources
However, it also introduces significant challenges:
- Data privacy and security risks
- Potential for algorithmic bias and inequity
- Gaps in technical and ethical training
This initiative is a proactive effort to establish shared principles and protocols to ensure AI strengthens, not undermines, public health values.
Task Force Goals
Review existing AI policies and guidelines across ASPPH member institutions and national/global bodies
Develop a framework of best practices for the ethical, responsible, and safe use of AI in public health education, research, and practice
Propose recommendations for institutional policy, regulatory alignment, and future-ready AI workforce development
Foster collaboration between academia, government, technology partners, and global public health organizations
Key Areas of Focus
Key areas of focus for the task force are based on ASPPH’s Technology Framework. The framework was developed by the Technology Advisory Committee when evaluating technology for the academic enterprise, whether the latest in AI, machine learning, robotics, or trusted data analytics systems, institutional leaders must consider these four pillars of a comprehensive public health technology landscape.
Teaching & Learning
How technologies can be used in the classroom to enhance student engagement and interaction
Education
Preparing students with the skills they need in a tech-enabled field
Practice & Research
Responsibly applying technology in the field
Policy, Regulatory & Architectural Frameworks
Delivering scalable, resilient, and secured technology services
Resources
Advancements in Responsible & Ethical Use of AI in Public Health Education: Updates From ASPPH’s AI Task Force
Our December 9, 2025 ASPPH Presents webinar, Advancements in Responsible & Ethical Use of AI in Public Health Education: Updates from ASPPH’s AI Task Force, showcased the latest work of ASPPH’s Task Force for the Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Practice, and Education. The Task Force is advancing efforts to ensure AI is integrated ethically, equitably, and innovatively across public health education.
Task Force leaders shared updates on current initiatives, insights from cross-sector collaboration, and a preview of the draft Executive Summary outlining guiding principles and recommendations for the field.
This webinar is essential for public health educators, faculty, administrators, and practitioners seeking to stay informed about ASPPH’s leadership in shaping the future of AI in public health.
Incorporating AI into the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
In May 2025, we hosted a session in the ASPPH Presents webinar series, Incorporating GenAI into the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, which explored how Generative AI can enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and evidence-based learning in public health education.
The session highlighted practical ways to use GenAI to support student-centered learning and prepare students for a tech-enabled workforce.
Process and Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Activities | Status |
| Task force Formation | Spring 2025 | Recruitment of multidisciplinary experts and collaborators | Completed |
| Discovery & Consultation | Summer 2025 | Collaborator interviews, policy reviews, and survey of ASPPH member institutions | Completed |
| Draft Framework Development | Fall 2025 | Development of a preliminary framework based on gathered insights | Completed. |
| Public Webinar on Taskforce Updates | December 2025 | Hosted webinar to provide updates on AI Taskforce’s progress and open dialog to the public for comment on process to date. | Completed. |
| Draft Framework Released | January 2026 | Publication of the draft framework public review and comment. | Pending |
| Community Feedback Period | January – April 2026 | Circulation of draft for feedback from the academic and public health community | Pending |
| Townhall: Responsible and Ethical Use of AI in Public Health | March 19, 2026 | Register today! | Pending |
| Final Report Publication | Summer 2026 | Release of the final framework and guidance toolkit for implementation | Pending |
Technology Advisory Committee
The ASPPH Technology Advisory Committee focuses on the role of technology innovation in advancing education in public health, our members’ research mission, and public health practice. The committee also seeks to promote the adoption of and provides guidance on the equitable, ethical, and responsible use of technology within the academic public health enterprise.
Get Involved
Join us at the March 19, 2026 Town Hall on the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI in Public Health. The Task Force will have released an initial draft of its recommendations and is seeking feedback from the ASPPH community. This town hall will provide an overview of the Task Force’s work to date, highlight key themes and emerging guidance, and invite discussion on how schools and programs of public health can responsibly integrate AI into their missions. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights, raise questions, and help shape the next iteration of this important framework for the field. Register by 1/31/2026 for Early Bird pricing!
This effort depends on inclusive input from the academic, student, and public health communities. Whether you’re a public health educator, researcher, student, policymaker, or community advocate, your voice matters. If you’re interested in staying informed, providing feedback, or getting notified when the task force report is ready, please sign up below.
AI Task Force Members
Ashish Joshi
PhD, MBBS, MPH
Chair
Dean, and Distinguished University Professor, University of Memphis School of Public Health
Associate Professor of Public Health, Andrews University School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness
Jessica Kruger
PhD, MCHES
Director, Teaching Innovation and Excellence, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo
Chair, Department of Public Health and Health Sciences; Professor
Public Health and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences
Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, St. George’s University
Assistant Director of CRM, Administrative and Web Services
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Director, Master of Public Health Program
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Program in Public Health
Professor of Professional Practice in Public Health Sciences
Director of the Online MPH Program, University of Miami Department of Health Sciences
Assistant Professor, Director of the Data Science Program, College of Global Population Health at UHSP in St. Louis
Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships and Interim Department Chair for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health
Associate Professor
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany College of Integrated Health Sciences
Dean, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health
Dean, School of Health Sciences, Walden University College of Health Sciences and Public Policy
Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation & Professorial Lecturer, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Digital Learning Support Specialist, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
ASPPH Staff
Chief Information Officer
Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy