‘We want to change the way humans relate to the rest of the natural world’

‘We want to change the way humans relate to the rest of the natural world’

A groundbreaking research center is poised to revolutionize our comprehension of animal emotions and the consequences of human activities on them. The Jeremy Coller Center for Animal Sentience, which is set to launch this autumn at the London School of Economics, will receive £4m in funding from the Jeremy Coller Foundation. Prof. Jonathan Birch, the center’s inaugural director, envisions it as a place for “ethical moonshots” that will strive to elevate Britain’s position in animal welfare.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project will bring together experts from fields such as philosophy, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and biology. Their collaborative efforts will initially focus on three key areas: creating ethical frameworks for the use of AI in relation to animals, enhancing welfare laws to protect insects and other invertebrates, and implementing information campaigns to shift public attitudes and behaviors. Birch highlighted the need for a renewed focus on animal welfare in the face of industrialized agriculture that prioritizes profit over compassion.

One of the main goals of the center is to transform human interactions with the natural world, utilizing advances in AI to decode animal communication and foster a deeper understanding of their needs. The aim is to bridge the gap between our values as a nation of animal lovers and the reality of our often indifferent attitudes towards animal welfare. By changing the conversation and exploring new possibilities, the center hopes to inspire a shift towards more ethical and compassionate practices.

As the Jeremy Coller Center for Animal Sentience embarks on its mission, it seeks to pave the way for new codes of practice in animal farming, the integration of wildlife welfare into AI systems, and a reconciliation between societal values and actions regarding animal welfare. Through innovative research and collaboration, the center aims to challenge existing norms and create a more harmonious relationship between humans and animals

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