UK Launches World’s First Centre to Study Animal Consciousness

UK Launches World’s First Centre to Study Animal Consciousness
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The London School of Economics will open the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience on September 30, marking the world’s first scientific institute dedicated to studying animal consciousness, The Guardian reported. Funded by a £4 million commitment, the centre will unite experts in neuroscience, philosophy, law, AI, and more to better understand how animals think and feel.

One key project will examine how AI could translate animal communication for humans, while addressing the risks of misleading “translations.” Professor Jonathan Birch, the centre’s director, warned that unregulated AI could harm animal welfare by telling owners what they want to hear instead of reality.

The centre will also explore ethical issues around AI in farming and autonomous vehicles. Trustees hope their work will close the gap between beliefs and behaviour in animal welfare and shape global standards. Backer Jeremy Coller says AI could be the “Rosetta Stone” for understanding animal minds.