Sara Fine Institute

About SFI

The Sara Fine Institute for Interpersonal Behavior and Technology (SFI) was founded in 1999 to promote social research on digital technologies at the University of Pittsburgh. It is based at the School of Computing and Information (SCI).

SFI organizes lectures, fosters research activities, and coordinates programming around a broad range of topics: human-machine relationships, science infrastructures, the risks and benefits of new technologies, digital culture, social justice and technology, and more.

SFI was established and named in honor of Dr. Sara Fine (1932-2012), a long-time professor in the School of Information Sciences (1975-1998) who dedicated her career to investigating the psychological and sociological effects of new technologies. Records and documentation covering the founding of SFI and its first decade of activities (2000-2010) have been deposited in the University Archives at the University of Pittsburgh’s Archives Services Center, for preservation and future study.

SFI is directed by Eleanor Mattern, a Teaching Assistant Professor at SCI. Past Directors of the Sara Fine Institute include sociologist Susan “Leigh” Star (1954-2010) and library and information scientist Leanne Bowler.

Upcoming Events

The SFI hosts lecture events that bring a wide range of thinkers and writers to Pitt. Past lectures have addressed topics such as scientific work processes, design, emerging technologies, information policy, human-machine relationships, knowledge work, ethics, and privacy.

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Cathedral in the spring

About Sara Fine

Dr. Sara Fine, professor emeritus of information sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, brought her background as a licensed psychologist to her research, teaching, and publications in the field of information science. Her work explored many facets of human interaction with information and technology and how the technological revolution affects individuals, organizations, and societies. 

woman with brown bob sitting outside

Fine conducted a series of national research studies sponsored by the United States Office of Education on the human aspects of technological innovation, and she worked with libraries as well as a variety of other organizations on preparing staff for new technological events.

She earned her BA, MA, and PhD in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She also served as a professor at the School of Information Sciences until her retirement in 1999. Most recently, she held the position of professor of information science at Bar Ilan University.

Fine passed away on February 3, 2012 in Tel Aviv. Those interested in supporting the continuation of her work might consider making a memorial donation to the Sara Fine Institute, which was created to honor and extend her work studying the relationship between people and technology.