Virginia Dignum

Virginia Dignum is one of the world’s leading voices in ethical and responsible artificial intelligence. Currently Professor of Responsible AI at Umeå University and Director of its AI Policy Lab, she has dedicated her career to examining the societal impact of AI and helping shape a future where technology serves the public good. Her groundbreaking work, including the influential book “Responsible Artificial Intelligence”, has earned her a place on the Global AI Council at the World Economic Forum and an h-index of 50—marking her as one of the most respected researchers in her field.

Virginia’s influence extends well beyond academia. She has advised international bodies such as the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI, the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous Systems, and the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, where she was an invited speaker in 2024. Her strategic insight and leadership have made her a go-to expert for governments, research institutions and industry bodies striving to implement ethical AI policies. As Senior Advisor on AI Policy to the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and a 2024-appointed Wallenberg Scholar, Virginia plays a pivotal role in steering AI development across Europe.

A celebrated speaker and policy leader, Virginia has a long-standing history of excellence in computer science, holding an MSc from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a PhD from Utrecht University. Her career spans both academic and industry domains, with more than a decade in consultancy and system development prior to returning to academia. Among her notable roles are Principal Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Executive Director at the Delft Design for Values Institute, and Founding Board Member of ALLAI Nederland. Her achievements were recently recognised with the Gold Medal of Honour from the Mayor of Oeiras, her hometown in Portugal.

With a commanding presence on stage and the rare ability to connect technological detail with societal relevance, Virginia Dignum is a compelling choice for conferences, corporate events, and policy forums alike. Her unique blend of academic rigour, policy acumen, and practical insight ensures every talk is both enlightening and impactful. Hire Virginia Dignum via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency.