Dr. Merve Hickok

Biography

Merve Hickok is a globally renowned expert in AI policy, ethics, and governance. She is the founder of AIethicist.org and has contributed her insights to prominent publications including The Guardian, CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, Wired, Scientific American, Politico, Protocol, Vox, and The Economist. Her research and consulting work focus on the impacts of AI systems on individuals and society, particularly regarding fundamental rights, democratic values, and social justice. Merve provides consultancy to C-suite leaders and offers training services to public and private organizations on Responsible AI development and governance. She serves as the President and Research Director of the Center for AI & Digital Policy, which is actively engaged in global AI policy and regulatory work. The Center educates AI policy practitioners and advocates across more than 60 countries and advises international organizations including the European Commission, UNESCO, Council of Europe, and OECD. Merve is a lecturer at the University of Michigan's School of Information and is also a Responsible Data AI Advisor at the Michigan Institute for Data Science, with affiliations at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Furthermore, she has provided testimony to Congress and various city councils and civil rights offices, focusing on AI policy and ethics. Merve has been recognized by numerous organizations, including being named one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ in 2021 and a runner-up for Responsible AI Leader of the Year in 2022.

Research Interests