Shaping the Future of AI in Public Health: ASPPH Seeks Community Feedback on Draft Report

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we teach, research, and practice public health. From predictive analytics to workforce training, AI is no longer a future concept but is actively reshaping the field today. As these technologies evolve, academic public health has a critical opportunity, and responsibility, to help guide their ethical, equitable, and effective use. To support this effort, ASPPH has released a draft report from its AI Task Force, Harnessing Innovation: Artificial Intelligence for Public Health, that is open to feedback from the public health community through Wednesday, April 8.

The report offers a comprehensive framework to help institutions navigate the integration of AI across education, research, and practice while upholding core public health values.

The work of ASPPH's Task Force for the Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Practice, and Education reflects a collaborative, multidisciplinary process that brought together experts from across academia and practice. The resulting framework is organized around four priority areas that are essential to building an AI-ready public health ecosystem:

• Education - Preparing the next generation of public health professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and responsibly use AI
• Teaching and Learning - Supporting faculty in integrating AI into curricula and adapting pedagogical approaches in a rapidly changing landscape
• Practice and Research - Advancing the application of AI to improve population health outcomes while addressing bias, data quality, and real-world implementation challenges
• Policy and Governance - Establishing clear guidance to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with public health ethics as AI adoption accelerates

These areas highlight the need for intentional leadership from academic public health. The report underscores that AI must be developed and deployed in ways that advance equity, protect privacy, and build public trust-principles that are foundational to the field.

ASPPH is now seeking feedback from the public health community to help refine and strengthen this work. Input from members, partners, and stakeholders will play a critical role in ensuring the final report reflects the diverse needs, perspectives, and priorities across the field.

We encourage you to review the draft report and share your feedback by April 8 at 11:59 PM PT. Your insights will directly inform how ASPPH and the broader community shape the future of AI in public health.