BOSTON, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vilas
S. Dhar was announced as the inaugural president of the Patrick J.
McGovern Foundation to lead a philanthropic vision that bridges the
frontiers of artificial intelligence and data science with social
good.
"I am honored to steward the Foundation's work to create a
better future for all of humanity," said Dhar. "The world is
already in the midst of a digital revolution driven by machine
learning, data science and AI. Now is the moment for a broad
coalition of voices to come together to purposefully build
resilient institutions that can harness the transformative
potential of technology for our common good."
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is the legacy of Patrick J. McGovern (1937-2014), founder and CEO
of IDG, a global publishing empire that pioneered publications like
Computerworld, Macworld and PCWorld. With a $1.2 billion endowment, the Foundation will
commit $60-$65
million annually to technology for good and is one of the
first foundations exclusively committed to AI, data science and
society. Since 2015, it has awarded more than $280 million in grants in neuroscience and
information technology to benefit humanity, including $25 million last fiscal year to address the
COVID-19 pandemic and support innovative applications of digital
technologies.
Under Dhar's leadership, the Foundation will build on its
history of catalytic grantmaking by advancing the potential for AI
and data science to radically transform our world for the better.
To make this vision a reality, the Foundation will cultivate
world-class AI and data science expertise within the organization
and empower its partners with these tools to drive greater social
good. It also looks to bring together academics, practitioners,
civil society, social change advocates and government to create the
social institutions, ethical frameworks and new approaches needed
for the coming digital era.
"Patrick J. McGovern was years
ahead of his time in recognizing that technology can and should be
used for the betterment of humanity," said his son and Foundation
Trustee Patrick McGovern
III. "We are thrilled to welcome Vilas as the new
president of the Foundation because, in addition to his impressive
executive experience, he shares my father's passion and optimism
about the transformative potential of technology as a force for
good."
Dhar brings a broad and rich professional background to the role
as technologist, entrepreneur and human rights advocate. Throughout
a diverse career that has taken him to more than 150 countries,
Dhar has worked to create more equitable and inclusive social
institutions and ensure the benefits of the digital era are shared
by all. Prior to joining the Foundation, Dhar founded and led two
successful social impact organizations, served as the Gleitsman
Fellow on Social Change at Harvard
University, and continued his fascination with technology
that began with his studies at the intersection of computer science
and bioengineering at the University of Illinois.
"Patrick J. McGovern was a
visionary entrepreneur. From his time as an undergrad at
MIT, he set out to shape humanity's
engagement with technology. It's fitting that the Foundation
is taking on this next great opportunity for human advancement,"
said MIT President L. Rafael Reif. "The Foundation's renewed vision
for AI and data science, combined with Vilas's exceptional
leadership, represent an exciting opportunity to build a 21st
century approach to philanthropy."
About the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is a global, 21st century
philanthropy dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and
data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable and
sustainable future for all. The Foundation is the legacy of
visionary IDG founder and CEO Patrick J.
McGovern who believed in the potential for technology to be
a force for good.
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SOURCE The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation