CORNELL UNIVERSITY May 18–20, 2026

Community-Centered AI

Methodological Innovations for Environmental Justice, Labor Equity, and Data Sovereignty

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The Community-Centered AI Thought Summit addresses the urgent need to reimagine artificial intelligence development away from extractive, environmentally harmful practices toward community-controlled approaches that center environmental justice and data sovereignty.

Bringing together researchers, practitioners, and community members, the three-day convening will tackle AI's core problems — its massive carbon footprint, displacement of local expertise, and violations of community consent — through collaborative workshops and intervention-generating discussions.

With sponsorship from

Cornell AI Initiative
Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
Cornell Center for Social Sciences
Atkinson Center for Sustainability
Einhorn Center for Community Engagement
Southeast Asia Program

Schedule

8:00–9:00 AMBreakfast in Atkinson Hall Atrium
9:00–10:30 AM

Opening & Lightning Talks

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Chair: Michael CharlesLogistics: Jose Guridi
11:00 AM–12:30 PM

Working Session — Case Study & Implications

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Chair: Michael CharlesLogistics: Jose Guridi
12:30–1:30 PMLunch
1:30–3:00 PMOpen to Public

Lightning Talks & Panel Discussion

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Chair: Jenny GoldsteinLogistics: Mai Ichihara
3:30–5:00 PM

Hacker Session

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Chair: Jenny GoldsteinLogistics: Mai Ichihara

Click any session to expand details. Sessions marked Open to Public are open to all attendees.

Participants & Facilitators

Invited Participants

Graduate Students

Community-Centered AI: A Methodological Framework

This white paper synthesizes the collective findings of the Thought Summit, offering a practical framework for researchers and practitioners who want to develop AI systems that serve rather than exploit the communities most affected by environmental and social inequities.

Forthcoming — to be released following the summit
White Paper Preview

Travel & Logistics

Venues

Atkinson Hall, Cornell University

350 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853

College of Computing and Information Science

Gates Hall, 107 Hoy Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853

Getting to Campus

On Foot

Campus is approximately 40 minutes walk from downtown Ithaca. The walk is uphill but scenic--take Cascadilla Trail for a beautiful gorge walk (rocky in places)

Bus #10

Take the TCAT #10 bus from Seneca St downtown. Fare is $1.50 (accepts cards). Ride to campus takes about 10 minutes. Get off near Goldwin Smith Hall or Sage Hall — both are a short walk from the Computing and Information Science Building; about a 10 min walk from Atkinson Hall.

Taxi / Rideshare

Uber is available in Ithaca. Expect a 5–10 minute ride from downtown to campus.

Hotel

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Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons
120 S Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Located on the Ithaca Commons in downtown. A short bus ride to campus.

View Hotel →

Other Locations

Personal Best
321 W State St, Summit dinner & drinks venue (Monday, May 18, 6-8pm).
Argos Inn
408 E State St, Summit dinner and drinks venue (Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8:30pm).