Rosamund Powell

What led you to your area of research?

I studied the history of science at university which led me to focus on the origins of AI ethics in the 20th century. I was interested in the role that power and politics played in shaping early debates on the risks associated with AI, and how marginalised voices were repeatedly written out of crucial debates. 

My research with the Turing’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) now focuses on the present-day risks and opportunities of AI. However, I still find that an appreciation for AI’s history is hugely helpful in my work. 

What’s exciting you most about your work at the moment?

After a hectic 2023, I am enjoying having some time to take stock and focus on my own research. Currently, I am writing up a project exploring AI’s inherent vulnerabilities to cyberattack.

What do you hope is the impact of this work?

I hope my research will help government to harness AI for public good, while recognising that they need to tread carefully in the deployment of AI to ensure trust is warranted. 

I am also hopeful that our work can bring in diverse, external expertise to the national security sector, which has historically been seen as highly insular.

Tell me about a career highlight so far?

There are a few to choose from! Most recently I visited Seoul for a workshop on UK-Korea AI safety collaboration. We learnt from some really exciting researchers working on topics such as digital watermarking, Large Language Models, and government AI safety policy and found out more about the next AI Safety Summit which is being hosted in Seoul this year.

Why do you think women should consider a career in the area of defence and security? 

Although I have been working in AI policy for a few years, I only entered into the world of national security last year. 

I made the move because many of the most challenging ethical questions in AI will need to be decided on by experts in this field. For example, should AI be used in weapons systems? How might disinformation undermine our national security? And how can uses of AI in national security impact our privacy? 

If the experts addressing these challenges don’t come from diverse backgrounds, we won’t be able to resolve them. I am really pleased I chose to specialise in this area and would encourage other women to consider this too, even if the world of national security isn’t something they have considered before.

And finally, when not working what can you be found doing?

Making my own clothes! I love to sew and knit whenever I can find the time.