The American Psychological Association (APA) has named Muriel Clauson Closs, PhD, as the inaugural executive director of its newly established Center for Behavioral Science and AI. The center is designed to apply behavioral science both to inform the design of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and to assess their societal impact.
An industrial‑organizational psychologist, Clauson Closs will lead efforts to translate behavioral science into practical guidance for those who build, use, and regulate AI systems. Her work will address AI at two levels: ensuring the safety of the systems themselves and preparing society to navigate their adoption.
She has previously served as a researcher, advisor, and speaker on responsible AI adoption for Fortune 500 companies such as Franklin Templeton, Yum! Brands, and Palo Alto Networks, as well as for governments and global institutions including the Milken Institute, the U.S. State Department, and the InterAction Council. Most recently, she was chief executive officer of Anthill, an organization she co‑founded to support frontline workers with AI tools grounded in behavioral science. Her contributions earned recognition from Forbes in its inaugural Future of Work 50 list. Clauson Closs holds a PhD and MS in industrial‑organizational psychology from the University of Georgia.
APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, stated that Clauson Closs brings a combination of scientific expertise, institution‑building experience, and familiarity with the AI industry that is essential for leading the new center. He noted that by translating psychological science for engineers, policymakers, and the public, the center has an opportunity to shape the trajectory of AI responsibly.
Clauson Closs emphasized that AI is advancing faster than understanding of its effects on people. She described the center’s mission as leveraging behavioral science to guide the development and regulation of AI technologies and to promote positive outcomes for society. She expressed that the initiative aims to provide credible scientific pathways for developers, policymakers, and the public to engage with AI effectively.
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