Press Release: AI International Trailblazer to Address North West Regulation Conferenc
19 October 2023
Eleanor ‘Nell’ Watson, a trailblazer in emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical and safe use, will be a keynote speaker at the ‘Navigating the Future of Regulation’ conference at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny on 25th October 2023.
Nell is a pioneering ethics and machine intelligence researcher who dedicates her work to protecting human rights and infusing ethics, safety and ‘values that elevate the human spirit’ into technologies like Artificial Intelligence. She has been a driving force behind some of the most crucial AI ethics standardisation and certification initiatives from organisations such as the IEEE - the world's largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
This conference is part of initiative being developed by Donegal County Council, Derry City & Strabane District Council, ATU, Catalyst and ALPHA Innovation, to establish the world’s first multi-sector Regulatory Supercluster in the North West City Region - working across sectors and borders to become a recognised world leader in regulatory technology.
The conference will be an important platform to discuss and shape the future of regulation, and the role of emerging technologies, in our rapidly changing world. Panels of experts will also explore issues for specific sectors including financial services, health & life sciences. MC for the event is Richard Curran, presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s show ‘The Business’, and other speakers include, for example, Minister Dara Calleary; President of the ATU; Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Ulster University; and Chief Executive of FinTech Scotland.
Nell holds the position of Executive Consultant on philosophical matters for Apple, as well as the President of EURAIO, the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office. Her interdisciplinary research has attracted audiences from all over the world, and inspired leaders to work towards a brighter future at venues such as The World Bank and The United Nations General Assembly. She is currently writing a book ‘Taming the Machine’.
Nell was inspired by her father who she described as a ‘rocketry guidance engineer and a mechanical and electrical boffin’ and was an inspiration in pursuing a doctorate and career in engineering. She was also influenced by engineer Thomas Andrews, architect of the Titanic, which was famously built in her hometown of Belfast:
“Andrews' streamlined designs inspire many to this day, but what captivates me was his interest in lesser-known stakeholders, such as the stokers… This humanitarian aspect of engineering stuck with me, along with the ironic tragedy of the tremendous loss of life later on that voyage, and the gross inequity of who was able to survive. Poignant lessons such as this have encouraged me to focus on responsible and ethical engineering, to help to de-risk ambitious initiatives, such as the present wave of emerging technologies, which are as exciting as they can be terrifying”.
“As technology becomes ever more intertwined with our personal and professional lives, we are ever more at its mercy. We are being steered, cajoled, and manipulated by various algorithmic processes hundreds of times per day. In a world of autonomous systems, it's crucial that we also enshrine human autonomy”.
Welcoming the opportunity to speak at the conference, Nell said “ I am delighted to participate in this very important event and for the opportunity to explore some of the greatest questions of our time, to ensure we get the best out of machines for the good of humanity. I am particularly excited that this initiative is cross border which makes it even more powerful and impactful. “
You can register for a place at the conference at: https://plannd.co.uk/regtechconference