The Digital Environment Research Institute makes its first key academic appointment, welcoming Professor David Leslie as Professor of Ethics, Technology and Society.
The Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI) is excited to welcome Professor Leslie as one of four strategic appointments to the Institute. Professor Leslie joins DERI alongside his role of Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute and brings with him a wealth of expertise on moral and ethical implications of emerging technologies. He is highly respected in his field, authoring the UK Government’s official guidance on the responsible design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector.
Professor Leslie’s appointment is critical to driving forward DERIs aims and research aspirations in Trustworthy AI, and is a research intensive post. Professor Leslie will spearhead new collaborations with Queen Mary researchers, and external partners to expand DERI’s, and Queen Mary’s reputation in digital and data science.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Leslie said: “I am thrilled to be joining the vibrant interdisciplinary environment at DERI and to be able to contribute to its future as a global pacesetter in AI-centred research.
“I am also particularly inspired by the opportunity to advance the culture of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and community participation that is such an important part of both Queen Mary and The Alan Turing Institute.”
Professor Greg Slabaugh, Director of DERI and Professor of Computer Vision and AI at Queen Mary said: “We’re delighted David is joining as he brings an impressive track record of research on the ethical impacts of AI on individuals, organisations and society.
“I have no doubt he will be a huge asset as we conduct blue-sky research in digital and data science, and I look forward to working closely with him.”
DERI is already the Queen Mary contact for the Alan Turing Institute, with both the DERI Director, and DERI Institute Manager acting as the relevant Queen Mary points of contacts for the Turing. The appointment of Professor Leslie will further strengthen relationships with the Alan Turing Institute and the joint role will enable him to build synergies between DERI’s growing research community and the Turing's Public Policy Programme.