Evaluating Trauma-Informed Support for Military Personnel and Enhancing Access to Resources using AI

Funding opportunity

Evaluating trauma-informed support for military personnel and enhancing access to resources using AI.

Application timeline and budget

Background

The goal is to evaluate the efficacy of an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide trauma-informed support to military personnel who are survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Existing resources are underutilized due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and complex procedures. This project will explore the potential of using Large Language Model (LLM) driven chatbots to improve access to trauma support in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free manner.

The research will prioritize the evaluation of how effectively LLM technology, coupled with expert knowledge, can engage in empathetic dialogue, offer resources, and ensure user safety. The core of this project will center on understanding the chatbot's impact on users' emotional well-being, data privacy, and overall satisfaction with the experience.

Research objectives

The funding opportunity seeks proposals to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using of LLM-based chatbots for trauma-informed support for sexual assault survivors in the military. The project should involve user studies, a research framework, and collaboration with subject matter experts to review and update the chatbot's knowledge base and response strategy.

With a focus on ethical AI principles, the goal is to ensure user safety, prevent re-traumatization, and protect data privacy through robust evaluation protocols.

Methodology

Literature review and expert consultation: Establishing a foundation by identifying performance indicators for your chatbot focused on trauma recovery.

Controlled experiments: Testing and comparing the chatbot's effectiveness against traditional support resources, to demonstrate its impact.

User feedback integration: Collecting both qualitative and quantitative data to refine the chatbot and enhance user experience.

Publication of findings: Sharing results through peer-reviewed journals and conferences, which is essential for academic rigor and community engagement.

Desired output

• Research papers and reports documenting the performance of the LLM chatbot, its impact on users, and insights into trauma-informed AI applications.
• Usability studies showing how well the chatbot performs in providing personalized and compassionate support.
• Recommendations for future developments of trauma-informed AI systems based on research findings.
• The primary focus of this funding opportunity is research and evaluation of trauma-informed AI applications. While prototypes may be developed for research purposes, the project’s emphasis will be on assessing the chatbot’s performance and providing recommendations for future AI system development.

Applicant qualifications and requirements for selection

The research team must have:

• An advanced degree in either psychology, mental health, or related fields, ensuring a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and psychological principles necessary for designing effective support systems for survivors of sexual assault and harassment.
• An advanced degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, or related fields, with expertise in developing and evaluating LLM-based chatbots, including data management, model prototyping, and evaluation.
• Expertise in conducting empirical research on LLMs and trauma-informed care, with experience in user testing, data analysis, and qualitative/quantitative evaluation.
• Expertise in AI data science, including data management, analysis, model prototyping, and evaluation. Access to high performance AI infrastructure is an asset.
• Proven experience collaborating with subject matter experts in mental health, trauma recovery, and AI ethics to ensure sensitive and responsible chatbot interaction design.
• Commitment to ethical research practices, including user privacy, data security, and adherence to ethical AI standards.
• Demonstrated ability to publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on trauma-informed care and AI.

Application deadline

Please download and submit the Research Funding Application form.

Enquiries

Questions about this funding opportunity can be sent to the VAC Research office.