The Honorable Tommy Sowers Joins Duke Science & Society on the Frontier of Applied Technology Ethics

Duke Science & Society welcomes Tommy Sowers back to Duke as Faculty Lead of Applied Technology Ethics.

With a rich background leading a wide variety of teams – including Green Berets on the battlefield, in business with startups raising venture capital, in high levels of government as an Assistant Secretary, and most recently leading a company through its IPO – Sowers brings a wealth of expertise and passion to a role that demands a keen understanding of varying and often competing stakeholder interests.

“I’ve loved this institution for decades, and I’m excited to contribute to it again,” says Sowers on his return to Duke University. Previously he helped direct the Hart Leadership Program and created and co-taught the course Mission Driven Startups. Sowers now turns his enthusiasm to applying ethics toward solving society’s urgent scientific and technological issues. His first opportunity will be directing the Duke Applied Ethics+ program.

“This course should be an inflection point for students,” says Sowers. “It should attract problem solvers and end with a real solve.” Applied Ethics+ is a summer learning experience that pairs Duke students with prominent host organizations to address pressing real-world challenges in policy, technology, research, and ethics. This year’s partnerships include OpenAI, UNESCO, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“The next five to ten years will be a truly transformational age,” says Sowers. “To be at the center of that in the Duke Applied Ethics Program is a real honor.”

Sowers will play a key role in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, developing curriculum, and building relationships with industry leaders and faculty to foster meaningful collaborations.

“Tommy brings a remarkable blend of leadership, experience, and vision to our team,” says Science & Society Director Nita Farahany. “His expertise in navigating the ethical and practical challenges of today’s technological landscape uniquely positions him to guide our future pioneers. We are eager to see the new paths he will forge for our students, our partner organizations, and the broader community.”

Sowers earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University as well as a Master of Science in Public Policy and Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. His distinguished career demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology as a force for innovation and positive change.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ben Shepard
Assistant Directory for Marketing & Communications
Duke University Initiative for Science & Society
ben.shepard@duke.edu