Leonum Institute for AI and Emerging Technologies advances human-centered AI through the lens of Catholic humanism, merging rigorous research with venture creation to shape technology that serves human flourishing.
Founded within The Catholic University of America, we address profound questions of meaning and purpose with the transformative possibilities of emerging tech.
Collaborate with usWhat we do
Research
We conduct groundbreaking research that explores:
- Intelligence
- Personhood
- Ethics
- Agentic systems
- Social and cultural impact
Formation
We create academic programs to form the next generation of thought leaders and scholars, focusing on education within these fields:
- AI
- Innovation
- Ethics
- Commercialization
Innovation
We founded a venture studio, turning research insights into real-world technologies through:
- Hackathons
- Fellowships
- Studio builds
- Interdisciplinary partnerships
- Mentorships
Join us in shaping the future of AI
Whether as a scholar, entrepreneur, donor, or student, you have a role to play in how AI and emerging technologies unfold. Connect with us to discover how you can get involved.
CollaboratePeople
Taylor Black, founding executive director of the Institute, also serves as the director, AI & Venture Ecosystems, with the Office of the CTO at Microsoft. Mr. Black has spent the past 20+ years working in a highly successful and influential career as an entrepreneur and thought leader in AI and emerging technologies. He has a J.D. and an M.A. in Philosophy from Boston College.
Dr. Joe Yost is the senior vice provost for research and chief research officer at Catholic University. He oversees the stewardship of university resources to foster high-quality research and generate activity among faculty and staff as well as centers, institutes, and faculty startups that include the Leonum Institute.
As AI continues to evolve faster than social, moral, and institutional frameworks can adapt, we are responding by forming ethical technologists that understand not only how AI works, but what it means for humanity.— Taylor Black, Executive Director, Leonum Institute
Strengths
We believe technology and innovation should better serve humanity. With an eye toward market and workforce demand, Leonum Institute is equipped to respond rapidly and provide students and the wider public with the knowledge and skills to ethically and masterfully create and use data, information technology, and AI.
Events
Corporate Social Responsibility of “Big Tech” Conference
Hosted by Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, this full-day conference is a joint effort by the Corporate Responsibility and Compliance program, the Law & Technology Institute, and the Bakhita Initiative for the Study and Disruption of Modern Slavery. Attendees explored forced labor and human trafficking; artificial intelligence, privacy, and data protection; and sustainability, including the environment, resource management, and social justice.
2025 Fall Lecture Series
Presented by Catholic University’s School of Philosophy, this five-part public lecture series examines the ethical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of artificial intelligence. The series features distinguished scholars from theology, philosophy, and bioethics.
Off-Campus AI Salons With Industry Leaders
These special events bring faculty together with representatives from government agencies, consultancies, cloud providers, and other sectors to discuss AI usage guidance and public policy regulations, workforce and talent pipeline development, and new certificate and degree programs in AI.