On 17 May 2024, Kars Alfrink successfully defended his doctoral thesis, Contestable Artificial Intelligence, at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on empowering people to better understand and influence AI systems that impact their lives, contributing to a more participatory and transparent approach to artificial intelligence.
Exploring Contestability in AI
Kars’ work examines how AI systems can be designed to invite critique and interaction, ensuring they remain aligned with societal values like fairness, accountability, and transparency. His research bridges the fields of design, ethics, and governance, providing tools and frameworks for making AI systems more contestable and user-focused.
His public defence featured engaging discussions with committee members, including professor Liesbet van Zoonen, academic director of the Centre for BOLD Cities, and experts like Virginia Dignum, Ibo van de Poel, and Jonas Löwgren. Kars expressed heartfelt thanks to his supervisors, Gerd Kortuem, Neelke Doorn, and Ianus Keller.
About Kars
Kars Alfrink is a designer and researcher who works at the intersection of design, AI, and politics. With a background in interaction design and a strong interest in civic engagement, his work explores how technology can empower people in their interactions with complex systems. Kars is committed to creating tools and frameworks that make AI more understandable, equitable, and aligned with public values. He will continue his work as a postdoctoral researcher at TU Delft’s Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
Congratulations, Dr. Alfrink!