Frequently Asked Questions

Spës Institute for Humanity and AI is an independent research institute dedicated to the ethical, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged study of artificial intelligence. Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society to advance human-centred AI research and governance.

Our mission is to advance ethical discourse, interdisciplinary research, and global collaboration in artificial intelligence — by exploring the philosophical dimensions of AI, promoting responsible innovation, and empowering communities to shape a future where AI enhances human flourishing.

SPES Institute is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We work with partners and collaborators across Africa, Europe, and globally.

We promote ethical AI through rigorous research, policy engagement, open publications, public education, and direct collaboration with governments and institutions. Our work is grounded in a principled ethical framework that prioritises human dignity, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

SPES conducts interdisciplinary research spanning AI ethics, philosophy of AI, AI governance, human-AI interaction, AI and society, digital rights, public accountability, and responsible innovation. Our research spans theoretical inquiry and applied policy analysis.

We engage directly with policymakers, produce evidence-based policy briefs and recommendations, participate in international AI governance forums, and collaborate with governments and international organisations on regulatory frameworks. Our Knowledge Hub provides open-access resources for policymakers and advocates.

Yes. We are committed to open knowledge. Our research reports, policy briefs, toolkits, and comparative analyses are published openly through our Digital Knowledge Hub and available free of charge.

We offer a range of programmes including a Certificate Program in AI Ethics, a Research Fellowship in AI and Humanity, a Summer School on AI and Society, and the AU EU Youth Action Lab. We also deliver tailored training workshops for institutions and organisations.

Our programmes are open to researchers, students, practitioners, policymakers, youth leaders, and civil society actors with an interest in AI ethics, governance, and digital rights. Some programmes have specific eligibility criteria — see individual programme pages for details.

Programme applications are managed on a cohort basis. Visit the relevant programme page for application details, or contact us at info@spesinstitute.org to express your interest.

There are many ways to engage with SPES: apply to a programme, collaborate on research, partner with us as an institution, support our work as a funder, or participate in our public events and lectures. Use the Contact page to start a conversation.

Yes. We actively seek research collaborations from academia, civil society, and the public sector. If you are working on AI ethics, governance, or related fields and are interested in a joint project, please reach out through our Contact page.

Yes. We partner with universities, research institutes, international organisations, civil society groups, and government bodies. Partnerships range from joint research projects and knowledge-sharing agreements to institutional affiliations and programme co-design.

You can reach us by email at info@spesinstitute.org, by phone at +251 921664469, or through the Contact form on our website. We aim to respond within 3–5 working days.

You can subscribe to our newsletter via the footer of this website, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, or check back regularly for new publications on our Digital Knowledge Hub.

Yes. Our newsletter covers new research publications, programme announcements, public events, and updates on our work. Subscribe via the footer of any page on our website.