AI Leadership & Governance
Why Responsible and Ethical Use of AI Matters
Recognizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on public health education, research, practice, and policy, in 2025 ASPPH convened the Task Force for the Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Practice, and Education. Comprised of experts from across academic public health and related sectors, the task force was charged with developing a framework and recommendations to guide the responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI.
Task Force Goals
The task force established four overarching goals to guide its work, emphasizing the importance of evidence-informed policies, ethical frameworks, actionable institutional recommendations, and cross-sector collaboration. Together, these goals aim to help academic public health institutions navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI while promoting responsible innovation, transparency, equity, and public trust.
Review existing policies
Review existing AI policies and guidelines across ASPPH member institutions and national/global bodies
Develop ethical frameworks
Develop a framework of best practices for the ethical, responsible, and safe use of AI in public health education, research, and practice
Propose institutional recommendations
Propose recommendations for institutional policy, regulatory alignment, and future-ready AI workforce development
Foster cross collaboration
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 & Workforce Development
Preparing students with the skills they need in a tech-enabled field
Practice & Research
Responsibly applying technology in the field
Policy, Governance & Infrastructure
Delivering scalable, resilient, and secured technology services
Process and Timeline
| Phase | Activities |
| Task force formation | Recruitment of multidisciplinary experts and collaborators. Completed spring 2025. |
| Discovery & Consultation | Collaborator interviews, policy reviews, and survey of ASPPH member institutions. Completed summer 2025. |
| Draft Framework Development | Development of a preliminary framework based on gathered insights. Completed fall 2025. |
| Public Webinar on Taskforce Updates | Hosted webinar to provide updates on AI Taskforce’s progress and open dialog to the public for comment on process to date. Completed December 2025. |
| Draft Framework Released | Publication of the draft framework public review and comment. Completed January 2026. |
| Community Feedback Period | Circulation of draft for feedback from the academic and public health community. Completed January – April 2026. |
| Town hall: Responsible and Ethical Use of AI in Public Health | Released draft report and welcomed feedback and dialogue with our ASPPH Annual Meeting attendees. Completed March 19, 2026. |
| Final Report Publication | Release of the final framework and guidance toolkit for implementation. Completed summer 2026. |
Share Your Feedback
The ASPPH AI Task Force Report, Harnessing Innovation: Artificial Intelligence for Public Health, provides a framework for advancing the responsible and ethical use of AI across public health education, research, practice, and policy.
As we move from recommendations to action, we invite your feedback to help shape future priorities, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
We welcome perspectives from faculty, staff, students, practitioners, technology professionals, and institutional leaders.
Meet the AI Taskforce Members
The task force brought together a multidisciplinary group of leaders and subject matter experts from academic public health, technology, and related sectors. Representing diverse perspectives and areas of expertise, members contributed their knowledge and insights to help shape a practical, forward-looking framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI across public health education, research, and practice.
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
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
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.
ASPPH Digital Innovation & AI Leadership
Provided strategic leadership, coordination, and operational support for the AI Task Force, facilitating collaboration among members and partners, while advancing its recommendations in alignment with ASPPH’s broader AI initiatives.
Ed Ruiz, BS
Chief Information Officer
eruiz@aspph.org
Jamie Atchison, MS
Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy
jatchison@aspph.org