Claire's current research focuses on building AI data-driven tools able to effectively and ethically improve legal decision making in the context of refugee law. She is exploring the links between machine learning and other disciplines such as law and human rights processes, cognitive sciences, human-AI cooperation and ethics.

Claudia’s research is at the intersection of neurotechnology and law. They aim to provide a comprehensive framework to counteract neurohacking and safeguard brain data.

Dr Cristina Richie joined the Centre in August 2023. She is Lecturer and Cohort Lead for the MSc in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute. Her research is driven by a global vision of clean, just, and ethical health care and technology through the development of strategies and policies.

2020 - 2023

Denisea’s PhD research looked at the social and cultural attitudes regarding women that inform current sex robot designs, as well as their broader ethical implications.

Des Higham is Professor of Numerical Analysis in the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh with interests that include the study of vulnerabilities in Artificial Intelligence systems.

Nov 2022 - Feb 2023

Elena is a Lecturer in philosophy at the University of Woolongong, Australia. She works on emotion and emotional dispositions, drawing especially on dynamical systems theory, life history theory, and predictive processing models of mind.

Elisa’s work explores how we can empathise with the lived experience of ageing populations, designing digital devices and services that respond to their hopes and fears.

Dr Emily Postan is a Chancellor's Fellow in Bioethics in Edinburgh Law School. Her research focuses on the ethical implications of the ways that encounters with health data and health technologies affect our identities and relationships to others. 

Emma joined the CTMF in August 2024 and is covering the role of Centre Manager for the next 12 months whilst Gina is on maternity leave. Emma started working in higher education 20 years ago and has held roles across student recruitment, communications, widening participation and admissions within several Scottish HEIs.

Dr Fabio Tollon is a philosopher of technology with interests in the ethics of AI, moral responsibility, and free will. He is a postdoctoral researcher as part of the BRAID (Bridging Responsible AI Divides) Programme.

Dr Gavin Sullivan is a Reader in International Human Rights Law at Edinburgh Law School and Principal Investigator on the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project, Infra-Legalities: Global Security Infrastructures, Artificial Intelligence and International Law.

Gemma is a writer and researcher focused on corporate futurism and the cultural economy of deep tech. She is a PhD researcher at Edinburgh University and a Research Associate at Glasgow University. She is author of 'Smoke & Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It'.

Giles is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Philosophy. His courses include Ethics of AI (MSc). He explores normativity, agency, and the ethical dimensions of AI in his research.

Currently on maternity leave

The Centre's Manager since 2022, Dr Gina Helfrich leads on operations and strategy. Gina also serves as Deputy Chair of the university’s AI and Data Ethics Advisory Board. Previously, she held several programme management and operations roles in the non-profit technology sector.

Dr Giulia De Togni is an experienced ethnographer and an interdisciplinary social scientist specialising in Science and Technology Studies. Her work focuses on responsible research and innovation for AI and robotics applications in the health and care sectors.

Han-Ju’s PhD research focuses on the socio-ethical critique of technology adoption within Scottish social enterprises, stemming from her passion for investigating the intersection between the ethics of technology and alternative organisations.

Harry’s research focuses on the foundation of moral skill, norms, and responsibility – highlighting what we risk as AI companies and corporate structures increasingly insulate decision-makers and developers from the social feedback loops that develop moral expertise.

Iñaki’s work investigates the role of dialogue design in shaping, discourse, normative content, and outcomes of public engagement with emerging technologies.

Jacqueline’s PhD research explores how to make Natural Language Processing tools and technologies safer, fairer and more equitable for speakers of marginalised languages, drawing on her interdisciplinary background in linguistics, human rights and computer science.

James Garforth teaches ethics, social responsibility and teamwork to undergraduate students in the School of Informatics, and supervises projects to develop tools and practices supportive of responsible development.