Western FIMS launches Starling Centre for Just Technologies and Just Societies

October 3, 2024

Western University’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies this week launched the Starling Centre for Just Technologies and Just Societies, its first research centre, with the aim of educating and empowering communities on the impacts of digital technologies on our lives.

The Starling Centre for Just Technologies and Just Societies works toward more just, equitable and humane futures for all through research and knowledge mobilization about the implications of emerging technologies in Canada and around the world. Located the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University the Centre focuses on interdisciplinary investigations and solidarity-based efforts to advance greater civic participation and engagement assessing the impacts of digital data, artificial intelligence, and related technologies. Starling produces research and community programs that address the social impacts of digital technologies and AI on our everyday lives. We aim to provide and contribute to existing spaces for researchers,practitioners and community members to come together through a shared interest in research, learning, creation and knowledge mobilization.

The Centre is led by four co-directors:

• Alissa Centivany conducts research on technology policy, law and ethics.
• Alison Hearn’s research focuses on the intersections of digital media and emerging forms of work.
• Joanna Redden’s research focuses on datafication, politics, governance and social justice.
• Luke Stark researches the ethical impacts of computing and artificial intelligence technologies.

The Centre celebrates its launch with a series of public events at Museum London, including a keynote by Desmond Cole on October 2, a day of panel discussions on October 3, and the launch of The Glass Room, a world-renowned interactive art exhibition on data and privacy from Tactical Tech. The exhibit features the Data Detox Bar, a tool kit that walks individuals through practical steps to take more control over their online lives. The Glass Room will be open to the public at Project Satellite Space at 121 Dundas St. in London ON from September 30 to October 20, 2024.

Later in October, the Starling Centre will host the Canadian Repair Convention:

The inaugural Canadian Repair Convention unites academics, grassroots repairers, policymakers, and the public to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the Right to Repair movement in Canada. Across four dynamic panels with both hands-on and policy-level perspectives, attendees to the Convention will engage with the Right to Repair along the ecological, economic, and social inclusivity dimensions in an engaging one day event.