Underwriters Laboratories, a Northbrook, Illinois-based nonprofit focused on advancing public safety through scientific discovery, has announced a $1.8 billion commitment to address increasingly complex public safety risks and strengthen the impact of its safety science-focused mission.

Funded by special dividends issued by Underwriters Laboratories’ for-profit subsidiary, UL Inc., the commitment is aimed at dramatically expanding the scale and scope of research into emerging safety risks while launching a second nonprofit to advance standards development and public advocacy activities for the enterprise. The existing Underwriters Laboratories research organization will expand its focus on scientific discovery across a broad range of critical fields—from fire safety to human environmental exposure to electrochemical battery safety—and marshal greater resources to scan for, assess, and address human safety risks in areas such as autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

The new Underwriters Laboratories Standards and Engagement organization will serve as a critical facilitator of public-private partnerships around the world. To that end, it will translate knowledge gained from safety science into practical and measurable standards and policies, building on decades of standards development leadership. The Standards and Engagement organization also will drive safety advocacy campaigns and related coalition-building activities focused on improving public safety.

One of the first grants awarded with the new funding is a three-year, $7 million commitment to Northwestern University to help examine AI and evaluate its impact. The Digital Intelligence Safety Research Institute at Underwriters Laboratories also will provide expertise and resources.

“This new financial commitment into safety research allows Underwriters Laboratories to build upon our 128-year legacy of public service and make even greater contributions to global safety science,” said UL board chair James M. Shannon. “As humans face new and more frequent safety threats, society needs our leadership more than ever. We are proud that, through this major commitment, we are moving forward to accelerate safety science discoveries and inform public policy and behaviors that will advance the public good around the world.”

(Photo credit: Underwriters Laboratories)