About PIT-UN and PIT
PIT-UN is a consortium of 48 academic institutions committed to building the field of public interest technology and developing a new generation of civic-minded technologists. PIT-UN's mission is to help advance the field of public interest technology to positively impact communities around the globe. Founded and funded by New America, PIT-UN works to encourage and empower students, faculty and staff, and practitioners to enhance the myriad fields of study and work that constitute "public interest technology."
PIT-UN defines "public interest technology" as the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest. This includes:
- Developing technology and related expertise;
- Applying technology and related expertise for the welfare of society in general including critically assessing the benefits and risks of the new technologies and taking account of technological innovation in law and policy;
- Calling for systematic study of technology and its collateral effects to enhance and not harm society.
As a PIT-UN member, William & Mary is committed to launching or strengthening initiatives that promote civic-minded, inclusive, and ethical technology and technology-related education and research. As the nation's second-oldest institution of higher learning, William & Mary’s roots in the liberal arts and sciences complements its current status as a major university with robust science and technology and related study and research. W&M’s Global Research Institute (GRI), for example, works globally to solve real world problems with both domestic and international partners. The Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) studies and supports courts worldwide in their understanding and use of modern technology. W&M is a part of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative working to enhance Virginia's study and research in cybersecurity and related subjects while encouraging W&M's diverse students to seek positions in those fields. Membership in the network underscores W&M’s commitment to advancing STEM and related interdisciplinary education and to encourage and help develop a highly talented and diverse technologically aware and oriented workforce that appreciates the importance of public service.
