Rumman Chowdhury

Businesses are racing toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their operations, making it crucial to get up to speed on the technology’s ethical implications for humanity. Can AI be applied in a responsible way that keeps us all safe?

Equipping leaders to deploy transparent solutions that minimize bias, boost cybersecurity protocols, and open pathways for fair and balanced assessments of automated systems is Rumman Chowdhury, Ph.D.

A featured AI expert on the Netflix series, “What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates,” Chowdhury’s expertise in developing cutting-edge methods for ethical and explainable technology is enriched by her role as the CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, a tech nonprofit that sets standards for generative AI evaluation methods. Her work is characterized by a bold approach to tackling the “very real dangers of AI,” blending innovation with stringent ethical standards.

A highly regarded expert in the field, Chowdhury spent four years at Accenture Applied Intelligence as the Global Lead for Responsible AI where she led the design of the “fairness tool,” a first-in-industry algorithm to identify and mitigate bias in AI systems. Her deep understanding of the dynamic interplay of data analytics and human behavior enables her to help organizations think bigger while developing and implementing AI platforms that foster a more equal tech environment.

As seen in Chowdhury’s standout TED Talk, she believes developers and end users need to work together to design responsible and functional AI. Also an inventor who holds a patent for a natural language processing (NLP) model, she equips leaders with robust frameworks that enable safe and effective AI deployment and rapid innovation while keeping them protected from ethical risks.

“Having no guidance in AI development and international policy is more stifling because companies slow down or fail to scale,” explains Chowdhury, who has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 in AI and Forbes’ 5 People Building Our AI Future.“Brakes help you drive faster. You feel safer going fast when you know you can stop.” 

Pointing out the tech industry’s history of creating digital defenses during similar shifts, like when data started moving into the cloud, Chowdhury offers a pragmatic look at the vulnerabilities of automating vital systems. Powered by the belief that responsible AI is a practice to follow, not a vague philosophy, she delivers a practical and reliable blueprint for leaders to utilize in what is a new space for many.

Understanding AI’s Impact: From Policy to Platform

The first U.S. Science Envoy for Artificial Intelligence under the Biden administration, Chowdhury’s work has had a significant impact on global AI policy, including her influential testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology. A former member of the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Chowdhury brings leaders practical guidance drawn from her extensive experience partnering with the American, Singaporean and Australian governments on developing AI evaluation exercises. This collaboration with international agencies has fortified critical infrastructures against cyber threats and given Chowdhury an exclusive view into how global majority countries are using emerging technology. Having also led “red-teaming” events with over 5,000 individuals around the world, she reveals how diverse inputs and more voices in the room during the device development process can lead to stronger, more innovative products.

Chowdhury’s insights into the practical applications of AI are profound. She has transformed her deep understanding of data into actionable strategies that mitigate risks associated with AI technologies. At Twitter, where she led the Machine Learning, Ethics, Transparency and Accountability (META) team, she was instrumental in pioneering efforts to audit algorithms for bias and ensure fairness in AI applications. This work was not just about correcting errors but about setting new benchmarks for accountability.

Her efforts extend beyond corporate settings to influence global policies and practices. Whether advising on cybersecurity measures for government automation projects or partnering with international bodies to standardize AI evaluations, Chowdhury’s work is at the forefront of defining how governments and corporations harness AI responsibly.

A Vision for the Future: Intelligent and Ethical AI

Looking ahead, Chowdhury is focused on shaping a world where AI’s integration into society is both thoughtful and beneficial. She energizes leaders with an approach that challenges prevailing norms and encourages a reevaluation of what we expect from our leaders and our technologies.

“In a world rushing to automate, we must decide what intelligence truly means and how we value human interaction,” Chowdhury emphasizes. “By understanding the broader implications of our technology choices, we can build systems that truly reflect our values and aspirations.”

For organizations, leaders and policymakers looking to navigate the complex landscape of AI ethics and application, Chowdhury offers crucial insights into building responsible AI systems that bring strategic advantage to the global marketplace. Beyond a deep dive into the mechanics of AI, she delivers a visionary outlook on its role in our future society and leaves teams with a renewed commitment to an AI-enhanced future that respects and amplifies human dignity and potential.

Rumman Chowdhury, Ph.D.’s passion lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity. She is a pioneer in the field of applied algorithmic ethics, creating cutting-edge socio-technical solutions for ethical, explainable and transparent AI. She is an active contributor to discourse around responsible technology with bylines in the Atlantic, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, MIT Technology Review and VentureBeat. Chowdhury has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 in AI and Forbes’ 5 People Building Our AI Future.

Chowdhury currently leads Humane Intelligence, a tech nonprofit pioneering generative AI evaluation methods and opening up pathways for democratized algorithmic assessments. She is also the first person to be appointed the United States Science Envoy for Artificial Intelligence by the Department of State.

Chowdhury holds two undergraduate degrees from MIT, a master’s degree in Quantitative Methods of the Social Sciences from Columbia University, and a doctorate in political science from the University of California, San Diego.

Rumman Chowdhury is available to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting meetings, interactive workshops and customized keynotes through the exclusive representation of Stern Speakers & Advisors, a division of Stern Strategy Group^®.