Marjory Blumenthal, International Computer Science Institute
Marjory S. Blumenthal is a connector of people and ideas and a leader of multi-disciplinary collaborations. As Principal of MSBlumenthal, LLC she works on science and technology policy issues with universities and nonprofits. In addition, she is a Special Government Employee at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and she is a Senior Policy Researcher (adjunct) at RAND.
In April 2016 Marjory became the Director of the experimental Science, Technology, and Policy Program at RAND, subsequently holding ad hoc leadership roles and leading or participating in a wide range of research. Her continuing RAND work on automated vehicle safety–an illustration of how artificial intelligence can have physical impacts–has influenced government, industry, and civil society stakeholders. Between May 2013 and April 2016 Marjory served as Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, developing and managing PCAST’s analytical program and addressing how systems engineering can improve health care, challenges in protecting privacy in the context of big data, new directions for cybersecurity, how information technology can improve education, the implications of new technologies for cities, and more. Previously she was Associate Provost, Academic at Georgetown University, developing academic strategy, strengthening the sciences and the overall research program, and promoting innovation in areas from international engagement to teaching and learning.
Before starting at Georgetown, Marjory was the founding Executive Director of the National Academies’ Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB), where she produced over 60 influential books and reports that addressed the full range of information technologies–including artificial intelligence–and their societal impacts. Marjory did her undergraduate work at Brown University and her graduate work at Harvard University, both in interdisciplinary programs. She has served on numerous advisory bodies and received multiple awards over the course of her career.
Merve Hickok, Responsible Data and AI Advisor, Michigan Institute for Data Science; President, Center for AI & Digital Policy; Founder, AIethicist.org
Merve Hickok is the Responsible Data and AI advisor for MIDAS as well as the founder of AIethicist.org. She is a globally renowned expert on AI policy, ethics and governance. Her contributions and perspective have featured in the Guardian, CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, Wired, Scientific American, Politico, Protocol, Vox, The Economist and S&P. Her research, training and consulting work focuses on the impact of AI systems on individuals, society, public and private organizations – with a particular focus on fundamental rights, democratic values, and social justice. She provides consultancy to C-suite leaders, and training services to public and private organizations on Responsible AI development, due diligence and governance. She also teaches data ethics at University of Michigan, and serves as a Board member in multiple organizations.
Merve is the President and Research Director at Center for AI & Digital Policy, deeply engaged in global AI policy and regulatory work. The Center educates AI policy practitioners and advocates across 60+ countries, advises international organizations (such as European Commission, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, OECD).
Merve has provided testimony to the US Congress, State of California Civil Rights Office, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Detroit City Council, and many global organizations interested in AI policy and ethics.
Merve also works with several non-profit organizations globally to advance both the academic and professional research in this field for underrepresented groups. She has been recognized by a number of organizations – most recently as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ – 2021, and as Runner-up for Responsible AI Leader of the Year – 2022 (Women in AI).
Previously, Merve held various senior roles in Fortune 100 companies for more than 15 years.
Moderator: H. V. Jagadish, Director, Michigan Institute for Data Science; Edgar F Codd Distinguished University Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Bernard A Galler Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
H. V. Jagadish is the Director of the Michigan Institute for Data Science, Edgar F. Codd Distinguished University Professor, and Bernard A. Galler Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Before his professorship, he was Head of the Database Research Department at AT&T Labs. Dr. Jagadish’s research focuses on two themes: the usability of database systems, query models and analytics processes to inform decision-makers, especially with big and heterogeneous data that go through many transformations; data equity systems that center around issues of representation, diversity, fairness, transparency, and validity. Dr. Jagadish is an elected ACM Fellow and AAAS Fellow. His many academic scholarship roles include establishing the ACM SIGMOD Digital Review and founding the Proceedings of the Very Large Database Endowment (PVLDB), serving on the boards of the Computing Research Association (CRA) and the Very Large Database Endowment.