Bio
Youmna Hashem is a Researcher in AI for Public Services under the Public Policy Programme. Her work assesses and contributes to the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into the provision of government public services.
Prior to joining the Turing, Youmna worked as a researcher at Egyptian data science and AI company Synapse Analytics, where her work concentrated around efforts to develop accessible and localised publicly available knowledge on artificial intelligence and digital technology in the MENA region. Youmna also assisted as a researcher on a collaborative project between the University of Oxford and academic partners in Japan, looking to critically assess the potential role of automation in domestic labour. During her time as a researcher at the Access to Knowledge for Development Centre in Egypt, Youmna worked on a number of projects focusing on the inclusive and responsible use of technology in the field of policy and development. Through her interdisciplinary research experience, Youmna aims to integrate alternative knowledges, perspectives, and voices into the study and practice of science and technology.
Youmna holds a BA in Integrated Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo, and an MSc in Digital Sociology from the University of Edinburgh, awarded with distinction. Her masters research evaluated the UK’s development and deployment of digital contact tracing technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.