Panel Discussion on AI Assurance
Event Overview
The AI Assurance panel, titled “Delivering on the UK AI Vision as a Global Leader for AI Assurance,” was held as part of the UCL X AI Fringe series alongside the UK Government’s AI Safety Summit. Organized by Zeynep Engin (Data for Policy CIC), the panel featured Dr. Tirath Virdee (Xeno AI) as chair, with panellists Nuala Polo (Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation), Shakeel Khan (Validate AI), and Charles Kerrigan (CMS UK). They examined the UK’s role in AI assurance, focusing on the regulatory challenges and the need for a community-driven approach to ensure responsible AI governance.
The discussion emphasized multi-stakeholder collaboration to build trust in AI through assurance techniques, addressing the risks associated with AI deployment in sectors like finance, HR, and automated vehicles. Each expert contributed a unique perspective: from Polo’s insights into policy challenges, Khan’s practical experience with AI implementation, to Kerrigan’s legal frameworks for emerging technologies. The panel highlighted the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the complexities of AI governance.
About Panelists
Dr. Tirath Virdee : Executive Officer at Xeno AI, Dr. Virdee has extensive experience in AI research, policy, and strategy. He founded several initiatives, including Xenesis and DRE Digital, and has advised the Scottish Government on AI strategy. Formerly, he was the Director of Artificial Intelligence at Capita plc, Director of Advanced Technology Group at Siemens AG, and a physicist for UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Breeder Reactor Programme.
Nuala Polo : A Policy Advisor focusing on AI assurance, Nuala explores tools for trustworthy AI and has authored key reports identifying barriers in various sectors.
Shakeel Khan: CEO of Validate AI, Shakeel Khan advocates for AI capability building and has a background in financial services, leading machine learning initiatives and developing data science programs.
Charles Kerrigan: Specializing in emerging technologies, Charles Kerrigan consults on AI and blockchain for public bodies and has authored several works on AI regulation and the digital economy. He sits on the Advisory boards of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence (APPG AI) and the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain (APPG Blockchain).
Zeynep Engin: Dr Engin is the Founding Director of Data for Policy CIC and also an Editor in Chief of the Data & Policy Journal.
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