Dr Ana Valdivia

Dr Ana Valdivia is a leading artificial intelligence researcher and academic specialising in algorithmic governance, data ethics and the environmental impact of AI. As a Departmental Research Lecturer in AI, Government and Policy at the Oxford Internet Institute, she is recognised for her interdisciplinary approach to understanding how datafication is reshaping political, social and ecological systems. With a background in mathematics and computer science, Ana brings both technical depth and critical insight to the study of AI, making her a highly sought-after speaker on responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence.

Ana’s early career was grounded in computational research, where she developed expertise in machine learning, data analysis and algorithmic systems. Building on this technical foundation, she expanded her work into the social implications of AI, combining quantitative methods with ethnographic and interdisciplinary approaches. Her research evolved to explore how algorithmic systems influence real-world contexts, including migration, criminal justice and gender based violence, positioning her at the forefront of critical AI studies. This unique blend of computer science and social science enables her to bridge the gap between technical innovation and societal impact.

Throughout her career, Ana has achieved significant recognition for her contributions to AI research and policy. She has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at University College London and has received prestigious accolades, including the Postdoctoral Enrichment Award from The Alan Turing Institute and a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Oxford. Her research has been supported by the British Academy and published in leading journals and conferences such as ACM FAccT and AI & Society. Ana also contributes to the academic community as an Associate Editor of Big Data & Society and has presented her work to influential institutions including the United Nations, European Parliament and Cambridge Union.

As an AI speaker, Dr Ana Valdivia is distinguished by her ability to reframe artificial intelligence through a critical, global and human centred lens. She explores the full lifecycle of AI systems, from resource extraction and data centres to algorithmic decision making and societal consequences, offering audiences a comprehensive understanding of AI’s hidden impacts. Her talks challenge conventional narratives by addressing issues such as algorithmic bias, surveillance, environmental sustainability and digital power structures. Combining academic rigour with real-world relevance, Ana equips organisations with the knowledge to develop ethical, accountable and future ready AI strategies in an increasingly complex technological landscape.