MIT Appoints Brian Hedden as Co-Associate Dean of Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing

Brian Hedden PhD '12 has been appointed co-associate dean of the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) at MIT, joining Nikos Trichakis in guiding this cross-cutting initiative of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. The appointment, effective January 16, 2026, marks a significant moment for the initiative as it continues to shape how computing technologies are developed and deployed with ethical considerations at the forefront.

Hedden brings a unique blend of philosophical expertise and technical understanding to the role. As a professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy with a shared position in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), he bridges the humanities and technical domains that SERC aims to connect. His research focuses on how we ought to form beliefs and make decisions, exploring how philosophical thinking about rationality can yield insights into contemporary ethical issues, including the ethics of AI.

Dan Huttenlocher, dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, emphasized Hedden's natural fit for the position: "Brian is a natural and compelling choice for SERC, as a philosopher whose work speaks directly to the intellectual challenges facing education and research today, particularly in computing and AI. His expertise in epistemology, decision theory, and ethics addresses questions that have become increasingly urgent in an era defined by information abundance and artificial intelligence."

Hedden's academic journey is deeply rooted in MIT's intellectual ecosystem. After earning his BA from Princeton University and his PhD from MIT in philosophy, he returned to the Institute last fall after serving as a faculty member at the Australian National University and the University of Sydney. His scholarly contributions include the book "Reasons without Persons: Rationality, Identity, and Time" (Oxford University Press, 2015) and numerous articles on topics ranging from collective action problems to algorithmic fairness and political polarization.

Since its inception in 2020, SERC has launched a range of programs designed to cultivate responsible "habits of mind and action" among those who create and deploy computing technologies. The initiative takes a comprehensive approach to integrating ethical considerations into computing education and research. Through the SERC Scholars Program, undergraduate and graduate students work alongside postdoctoral mentors to explore interdisciplinary ethical challenges in computing. The annual prize competition challenges MIT students to envision the future of computing, while the twice-yearly series of case studies provides real-world examples for classroom discussion.

In 2024, SERC introduced a new seed grant program to support MIT researchers investigating ethical technology development. To date, two rounds of grants have been awarded to 24 projects, demonstrating the initiative's commitment to fostering innovative research at the intersection of technology and ethics. The program also collaborates on coordinated curricular materials, including active-learning projects, homework assignments, and in-class demonstrations that help students grapple with the social and ethical implications of their technical work.

Hedden succeeds Professor Caspar Hare, who stepped down at the conclusion of his three-year term on September 1, 2025. Together with Trichakis, the J.C. Penney Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Hedden will help lead SERC and advance its ongoing research, teaching, and engagement efforts. This leadership team brings together expertise from philosophy, management, and computing to address the complex challenges at the intersection of technology and society.

The appointment comes at a critical time when questions about the social and ethical responsibilities of computing have moved from academic discussions to urgent public debates. As artificial intelligence systems become increasingly integrated into decision-making processes that affect people's lives, from hiring and lending to criminal justice and healthcare, the need for thoughtful, interdisciplinary approaches to these challenges has never been greater.

Hedden's work on collective action problems and algorithmic fairness positions him well to address these contemporary challenges. His research explores how philosophical frameworks can inform the development of technologies that serve the public interest while avoiding unintended consequences. This approach aligns perfectly with SERC's mission to ensure that the development and deployment of computing technologies are guided by ethical considerations and a commitment to social responsibility.

The initiative's comprehensive approach includes not just research and education, but also engagement with the broader community. By bringing together students, faculty, and researchers from across MIT's five schools, SERC creates a unique environment where technical expertise meets ethical reflection. This interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by emerging technologies.

As Hedden takes on this leadership role, he brings both deep philosophical insight and practical experience in navigating the intersection of technology and ethics. His appointment signals MIT's continued commitment to ensuring that the next generation of computing leaders is equipped not just with technical skills, but with the ethical framework necessary to develop technologies that benefit society as a whole.

The work of SERC under Hedden's co-leadership will be crucial as MIT and the broader academic community grapple with questions about the responsible development of artificial intelligence, the fairness of algorithmic systems, and the broader societal impacts of computing technologies. By fostering a culture of ethical reflection and responsibility, SERC aims to ensure that technological innovation serves the public good while minimizing potential harms.

This leadership transition represents both continuity and evolution for SERC. While building on the foundation laid by previous leadership, Hedden's unique expertise and perspective will help shape the initiative's future direction as it continues to address the evolving challenges at the intersection of computing and society. His appointment underscores the importance of philosophical thinking in navigating the complex ethical landscape of modern technology development.