Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University
Subcategory: new-program
Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Pittsburgh, United States |
| Entity Type | college-within-university |
| Founded or Announced | Announced February 22, 2018; founded 2019 |
| Status | operating |
| Size and Enrollment | Small staff (2-10 employees); university-wide research center with 112 affiliated faculty; no student enrollment as degree programs |
| Annual Tuition or Cost | N/A (research center, not degree-granting program) |
| Funding, Endowment, or Investment | $15 million lead gift |
| Notable Donors or Backers | Keith Block (CMU alumnus, former co-CEO Salesforce), Suzanne Kelley |
| Website | https://www.cmu.edu/block-center |
Academic Focus and Programs
Interdisciplinary research on future of work, responsible AI; seed funds for research projects; events, policy forums, publications; Keith Block Entrepreneurship Competition
Digital Strategy and Technology
No specific LMS or platforms mentioned; focuses on research into AI, robotics, analytics impacts
AI, Platform, or Innovation Programs
Responsible use of AI; research collaborations e.g. with MIT FutureTech on AI labor implications; events on generative AI, AI dilemmas, AI literacy
Key Partnerships
Public, private, non-profit partners; MIT CSAIL/FutureTech; NIST; CMU Heinz College, other CMU units
Alliances or Networks
N/A
Leadership and Contact
| Role | Name / Value |
|---|---|
| President / Rector / Head | Interim Faculty Director: Kirsten Martin (Dean, Heinz College); Executive Director: Steven Wray |
| Digital / Tech Leadership | N/A (no specific CIO or tech lead identified) |
| Contact Email | block-center@cmu.edu |
| Contact Phone | 412-268-4290 |
Why Notable for BD
Interdisciplinary center funded by tech leader focusing on equitable tech innovation, policy for AI/future of work; bridges academia-policy-industry for societal good; active in AI ethics, workforce impacts relevant to ed-tech platforms
Sources
Block Center Homepage, About Page, Our People, Launch Announcement, Leadership Transition 2025, Steve Wray Appointment, CMU125 Story