A Message from David Hoffman
Interim Director of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
It is an honor to step into the role of Interim Director of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society at this exciting and pivotal moment. Our mission to align scientific and technological advancement with human flourishing is one I’ve held deeply as a practitioner of law and applied research in fields like data privacy and cybersecurity. I’m inspired by the impact the Initiative has already made, and I’m energized by the opportunities ahead.
The need for thoughtful, ethical leadership in science and technology has never been more urgent. From debates about AI-generated content and brain-computer interfaces to questions of reproductive health policy and genomic privacy, we are witnessing a convergence of science, health, and society that demands multidisciplinary thinking and bold, principled action.
Here at S&S, our approach extends beyond just philosophical discussion and debate. We bring together faculty, researchers, and students from law, medicine, engineering, public policy, computer science, and the humanities to grapple with society’s most pressing questions. Our commitment to blending traditional bioethics with modern tech ethics and pragmatic policy development sets us apart.
This is perhaps most visible in our newly renamed Master of Arts in Applied Ethics & Policy. This program trains emerging leaders to think critically across domains, equipping them not just to understand the implications of science and technology, but to actively shape the legal, ethical, and policy frameworks that guide their use. Whether students focus on genome editing, AI governance, healthcare equity, or data privacy, they leave our program ready to drive real-world change.
We also continue to expand our reach through dynamic undergraduate programs like the Digital Intelligence (DQ) Certificate and experiential offerings such as the summer Applied Ethics+ program. These programs create a distinct path for students at all levels and from around campus to develop foundational knowledge in computational technologies, understand their relationship to society, and then apply what they learn to develop practical solutions to complex social problems.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Science & Society as faculty for many years and have seen how uniquely positioned we are to further Duke commitment to defining a new twenty-first century model of the research university. As Interim Director, I will ensure Science & Society continues to bridge disciplines, connect ideas, and turn knowledge into impact.
Sincerely,
David Hoffman
Interim Director, Duke Initiative for Science & Society
Steed Family Professor of the Practice of Cybersecurity Policy
Senior Lecturing Fellow, Duke Law & Sanford School of Public Policy