Roberto Desimone

Roberto has a long track record in both industry and academia (over 40 years) in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and quantum computing for numerous applications in the defence, security, logistics and financial sectors. I have pursued applied research at leading institutes in the UK/US, with a PhD in AI/ML from Edinburgh University (1984-89), followed by post-doctoral research at Stanford Research Institute (1990-95), and applied research roles with the MoD, QinetiQ and BAE Systems (1995-2021). I was also a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (at Bristol University, 2019-22) and am now a visiting professor of quantum systems engineering at Loughborough University (2020-present). I was formerly a visiting professor of AI at Cranfield University (National Defence Academy, Shrivenham 2002-09) and have been engaging with and have given evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on AI (since 2018), addressing ethical concerns.

Why I work for JAAG

During my career, I have been involved in exploiting AI technology for many (safety-critical) applications, involving AI decision-making for both government and private organisations. Although these organisations have tried hard to ensure that these applications comply with government regulations, they have difficulty in keeping up with rapidly changing emerging technical capabilities, and where ethical concerns are considered, they are often outweighed by economic and political considerations. I joined JAAG to try to address this imbalance, so that ethical concerns are considered seriously alongside other issues (economic/political).

I take the standpoint that we require a sense of cautious but optimistic governance, staying curious about AI, and our evolving relationship to its dynamics. In this way, we can ensure AI/AGI aligns itself with our goals, our ethical and accountability frameworks, and our integrity. 

My JAAG membership informs my consulting practice, and I lead a System-Psychodynamics work group exploring the impact of AI/AGI on leaders, organisations and humanity - enabling S-P consultants to develop practice in consulting to this evolving field.