“Follow the Questions”: Bailey Flanigan’s Computational Approach to Strengthening Democracy

“I’m just following the questions where they lead,” says Bailey Flanigan, a new Assistant Professor at MIT whose work sits at the intersection of computer science and social progress. Flanigan is developing sophisticated computational methods designed to help democracy thrive in an increasingly complex world. Her research focuses on creating fair algorithms that can aggregate diverse public opinions and ensure equitable representation in collective decision-making processes.

Her interdisciplinary approach translates abstract mathematical theory into practical tools for society. From improving the way citizens’ assemblies are formed to optimizing the distribution of public resources, Flanigan’s algorithms aim to mitigate biases that often plague traditional systems. By bridging the gap between social choice theory and computer science, she is pioneering new ways to use technology as a catalyst for a more just and democratic society.