Professor: How we reduce the risks with AI

I am driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that AI technology benefits humanity. I believe that AI should improve human capacity and quality of life while respecting human rights and ethical standards.

Virginia Dignum became interested in artificial intelligence, AI, already during her studies in the 1980s. Her first job was actually about developing an AI system to support the design of social housing in Lisbon.

“This was in 1986 and even then I realised that AI does not come without risks. The system suggested that we assign a house to a family, only to discover that that house was already inhabited and the data was not up to date! It indicated that an address was vacant, but in fact it was already occupied by other people. That is, the best AI system is only as good as the data it uses,” says Virginia Dignum.

Fundamentally changing societies

She also has an extensive background in consulting and expert system development, which developed into a focus on AI in her PhD at Utrecht University in 2004.

“The most interesting aspect of AI is its ability to fundamentally change societies by improving decision-making processes and supporting the management of complex tasks. Some of the benefits of AI are increased efficiency, the ability to analyse large amounts of data quickly, and improvements in various areas such as healthcare, transportation, and sustainable development,” says Virginia Dignum.

But AI also entails significant risks, she says. These include ethical issues of integrity, bias in decision-making, job relocation and the risk that AI could be used in harmful ways if it is not properly regulated.

“The challenge lies in developing AI systems that are reliable, transparent and aligned with human values to reduce these risks. This is the work we do here in Umeå, in the AI Policy Lab, in terms of methods and tools for the responsible development and use of AI – and also the advisory efforts I make to ensure that policies ensure that those responsible are accountable for their decisions and the systems they develop and deploy,” says Virginia Dignum.

Member of FN advisory body

She is one of the world's leading researchers in AI and actively participates in several national and international initiatives on guidelines for AI research and applications. Since 2023, she has been a member of the United Nations High Level Advisory Body on AI, which acts as an advisory board to the UN’s secretary general on the governance of AI globally. She was also awarded the prestigious Wallenberg Scholar 2024 grant.

“I am driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that AI technology benefits humanity. I believe that AI should improve human capacity and quality of life while respecting human rights and ethical standards. I use an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from computer science, ethics and social sciences – it ensures that AI development takes into account different perspectives,” says Virginia Dignum.

She says that her vision is that we, by creating AI systems that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and adapted to society's values, can contribute to people's well-being and a better world for everyone.

“I am conducting this research to bridge the gap between technological innovation and ethical considerations, ensuring that AI development is guided by principles of accountability, accountability and transparency,” says Virginia Dignum.

Moved across the world

Virginia Dignum's road to Umeå went through large parts of the world. After her studies in Lisbon, she moved to the Netherlands, then Swaziland (now named Eswatini), a short time back to Portugal and later also Australia.

“For most of my life, I've lived in the Netherlands – for more than 30 years. My husband is from there, my children live there, and I still spend some of my time there,” she says.

Her mother, siblings and other family still live in Portugal and she goes there three to four times a year. The most recent trip there was to receive the Gold Medal of Merit award from her hometown for her contributions to AI governance.

Virginia Dignum came to Umeå as part of the WASP program. The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program is Sweden's single largest research program of all time, inviting top researchers from all over the world to come to Sweden to strengthen AI research.

“The opportunities for research and the nature are absolutely wonderful here. I like it, except that the summer is too quiet, it gets so empty. I don't really understand the Swedish idea of disappearing for weeks during the summer,” says Virginia Dignum and laughs.

Used to run marathons

She adds:

“Umeå University gives me a supportive environment. The University's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its strong focus on AI are in line with my goals. Umeå has a collaborative atmosphere and provides me the resources that allow me to explore the societal impact of AI in depth and collaborate with experts from different fields with full academic freedom. The AI Policy Lab initiative that I have just created is an example of the opportunities I get in Umeå.”

In her free time, she likes to run. In the past she used to run marathons, but today she finds it difficult to combine the training hours with her work and travels.

“But I always take my running shoes with me on my travels, and it's a good way to see some of the cities I visit, between meetings. Taking a run is also great for fighting jet lag. If I can't run, I relax with knitting, especially knitting socks helps me relax during long flights,” says Virginia Dignum.