AI Living Labs Network

Welcome to AI Living Labs Network at Virginia State University’s Center for Responsible AI

Where responsibility meets innovation. Where communities, ethics, industry, and research connect.
Where every member helps shape the constellation of tomorrow’s AI.

The AI Living Labs Network reimagines collaborative AI development through its original Constellation Model—a network where knowledge, application, ethics, and community co-create impact. Explore membership and partnership opportunities and become part of a living, adaptive system advancing responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence.

Vision

The AI Living Labs Network is an inclusive membership group that helps to shape the future of ethical, socially responsive artificial intelligence. The AI Living Labs Network leverages the Constellation Model of Responsible AI Innovation, connecting research work from multiple disciplines in a dynamic, adaptive ecosystem to ensure AI serves the common good and advances trust and equity across society. 

Mission

The AI Living Labs Network’s mission is to cultivate a collaborative environment where research, education, and real-world application converge for responsible, equitable AI innovation. The Network encourages open experimentation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and co-design of human-centered AI technologies—always guided by ethical principles, inclusiveness, and measurable social impact.

The Constellation Model of Responsible AI Innovation

The Constellation Model is an original framework developed by the Center for Responsible AI at Virginia State University specifically for the AI Living Labs Network to describe how responsible AI emerges through the interplay of multiple areas, each forming a critical “constellation” within a larger adaptive system. Unlike linear or hierarchical models, the Constellation Model emphasizes distributed intelligence, iterative feedback, and multi-directional influence.

The Four Constellations

• Knowledge Constellation: Universities and research institutions creating foundational understanding and new AI methodologies.
• Application Constellation: Industry partners, public agencies, and startups bringing AI research to life with scalable, impactful solutions.
• Ethics Constellation: Policymakers, ethicists, and interdisciplinary specialists ensuring that AI technologies align with justice, transparency, and societal values.
• Community Constellation: Civil society organizations, educators, and end-users participating in the design, evaluation, and implementation of AI to ensure accessibility, trust, and relevance.

These constellations are interlinked and form a living network where innovation, responsibility, and social benefit flow in all directions. The model highlights the importance of continuous learning, shared governance, and empathy-driven design.

Governance Structure

AI Living Labs Network is governed by a flexible structure:

• Executive Council: Strategic oversight, membership management, and adherence to the Constellation Model.
• Advisory Board: Representatives from each constellation provide multidisciplinary, stakeholder-driven oversight.
• Working Groups: Thematic groups convene members across constellations for joint research, guideline creation, and knowledge sharing.
• Operational Secretariat: Administers daily operations, communications, and logistical partnership support.

This agile governance structure ensures that the AI Living Labs Network stays responsive to emerging technologies, societal needs, and responsible innovation practices.

Areas of Focus

• Responsible AI Development
• Education and Workforce Growth
• AI for Social Impact
• Community Engagement & Advocacy
• Ethical Frameworks and Policy Influence

Projects and programming are shaped by cross-constellation dialogue and shared aims for justice, trust, and meaningful innovation.

Member Benefits

• Join a dynamic constellation of organizations advancing AI for societal benefit.
• Access collaborative funding opportunities, events, and resource-sharing.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and working groups spanning all constellations.
• Increase visibility for projects, research, and education initiatives.
• Shape the future of responsible AI through shared governance and co-creation.

Funding and Sustainability

Supported by grants, membership fees, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic contributions, AI Living Labs sustains its mission through adaptive financial models aligned with the Constellation framework.