The team at the Scottish AI Alliance would like to extend a huge congratulations to the Head of Scottish AI, Steph Wright, for winning the DataIQ’s 2024 Award for Data & AI for Good Champion. Steph is not only this year’s recipient but also the first for this award, as they introduced AI to the Data for Good Champion, a testament to her contributions to the field.

Steph’s leadership has been instrumental in developing Scotland’s AI Strategy working alongside The Data Lab and the Scottish Government. Today she continues to lead the delivery of the strategy, working to make Scotland a leader in trustworthy, ethical and inclusive AI. Her passion for creating an AI future that benefits everyone is reflected in her advocacy for these values.

This award celebrates Steph’s dedication to ensuring diverse voices are central to AI conversations. Under her leadership, the Scottish AI Alliance fosters inclusivity through initiatives such as its community engagement programme, the Children and AI project, Living with AI public AI literacy programme, regional AI summits, and the recent formation of both the Governance Group and the Community Advisory Group (more information to follow soon!). These groups will play a key role in guiding the Alliance's mission and ensuring that Scotland’s AI Strategy is rooted in inclusivity and ethical practices.

In addition to her work at the Scottish AI Alliance, Steph is also Co-Founder of Diverse AI, a volunteer-led organisation committed to supporting and promoting diversity in AI through collaborations, education and research.

With a collection of awards and recognitions such as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics 2023, and Top 10 Women in Tech in Scotland 2023, Steph Wright is a key player in the world of AI.

Steph shared:

“This was completely unexpected but I’m absolutely delighted and honoured! Thank you so much to all the judges and congratulations to all the winners on the night and thanks to my fantastic team and colleagues for their support. My hope is that eventually there will be no need to call out data or AI “for good”, as “for good” should be the default. There is a bright and positive AI future out there for the benefit of all … here’s to everyone working towards that future!”

We would also like to extend our congratulations to Alex Hutchison and the Data for Children Collaborative at Edinburgh Futures Institute for their win too for Best Ethical Data Initiative!

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