Research Groups & Fellowships

Advancing the science of provenance, integrity, and responsible AI governance across generations.


Research Groups

ATIC maintains a multi‑tiered research structure designed to cultivate expertise, advance the Provenance & Integrity Standard, and support the next generation of leaders in dataset integrity and responsible AI governance. This structure brings together emerging students, university researchers, industry professionals, and specialized research teams under a unified institutional framework.

Secondary School Fellows

Early‑stage scholars selected for their curiosity, analytical ability, and interest in AI governance. They participate in guided research modules, foundational provenance exercises, and supervised projects that introduce them to:

  • dataset sourcing fundamentals

  • basic lineage concepts

  • ethical considerations in AI systems

This tier reflects ATIC’s commitment to public‑benefit education and long‑term ecosystem development.

University Fellows

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting structured research aligned with ATIC’s mission. University Fellows contribute to:

  • dataset provenance analysis

  • contamination detection experiments

  • synthetic data labeling studies

  • governance case research

They work under the supervision of ATIC researchers and contribute to academic‑grade outputs.

Professional Fellows

Industry practitioners selected for their expertise in data governance, AI development, cybersecurity, or institutional risk. Professional Fellows contribute applied insights to:

  • real‑world lineage reconstruction

  • supply‑chain integrity assessments

  • governance frameworks

  • auditability and compliance practices

Their work ensures the Standard remains grounded in operational reality.


Research Teams

(Three Specialized Teams)

ATIC convenes three advanced research teams composed of domain experts, scholars, and institutional partners. Each team focuses on a core pillar of the Provenance & Integrity Standard:

Team A — Dataset Provenance & Corpus Integrity

  • source verification

  • corpus mapping

  • provenance reconstruction

  • contamination detection

Team B — Synthetic Data & Lineage Science

  • synthetic exposure analysis

  • synthetic‑on‑synthetic risk modeling

  • transformation histories

  • lineage reconstruction methodologies

Team C — Governance, Auditability & Public Benefit

  • institutional governance models

  • audit frameworks

  • public‑benefit oversight

  • cross‑sector risk analysis

These teams produce research that directly informs future versions of the Standard.


Research Focus Areas

Across all tiers, ATIC’s research ecosystem advances work in:

  • dataset provenance and corpus integrity

  • contamination detection and synthetic exposure

  • lineage reconstruction and transformation analysis

  • AI supply‑chain security

  • public‑benefit governance models

  • institutional risk and auditability

This multi‑tiered structure ensures that ATIC remains both technically rigorous and public‑benefit oriented, cultivating expertise at every level of the AI ecosystem.


Fellowship Statement

A multi‑tiered fellowship program advancing research, education, and public‑benefit governance.

The Aston Thomas Integrity Commission (ATIC) maintains a fellowship program dedicated to cultivating expertise across generations and strengthening the global foundations of provenance, integrity, and responsible AI governance. Fellowships are honorary, non‑compensated appointments awarded to individuals who demonstrate curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to advancing ATIC’s mission through research, analysis, and public‑benefit contribution.

ATIC Fellowships are structured across four tiers, reflecting the institution’s belief that meaningful expertise is developed over time and through sustained engagement:

  • Secondary School Fellows — early scholars participating in guided research modules and foundational provenance studies.

  • University Fellows — emerging researchers contributing academic‑grade work to ATIC’s research agenda.

  • Professional Fellows — practitioners providing applied insights into governance, risk, and real‑world AI deployment.

  • Research Fellows — domain experts, advisors, and senior researchers who shape the evolution of the Provenance & Integrity Standard.

Fellows may contribute to ATIC’s research ecosystem, support the development of institutional frameworks, and participate in the advancement of the Standard. Through mentorship, structured research pathways, and opportunities for deeper involvement, the fellowship program serves as a long‑term investment in the integrity and resilience of the AI ecosystem.

ATIC Fellowships reflect the institution’s commitment to public benefit, intellectual stewardship, and the cultivation of future leaders in responsible AI governance.