Karen Hao

Karen Hao, an award-winning AI journalist, has established herself as a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence. Her journey began with a solid educational foundation, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Karen’s career trajectory has been diverse and impactful, from serving as a Senior AI Editor at MIT Technology Review to writing incisively for The Atlantic. Her contributions at The Wall Street Journal as a foreign correspondent covering science and technology in China further exemplify her depth in understanding and reporting on the complexities of AI and its societal intersections. Karen’s expertise is not limited to journalism; she has also experienced the tech industry first-hand as an Application Engineer at a startup that spun out of Google X. This multifaceted background lends her a unique perspective, making her a highly sought-after keynote speaker on artificial intelligence.

In her role as a keynote speaker, Karen Hao brings a wealth of experience and insight. Her work has been recognised with numerous accolades, including a National Magazine Award for Journalists under 30, highlighting her exceptional contribution to the field of journalism at a young age. Karen’s former weekly newsletter, The Algorithm, further showcases her ability to distil complex AI topics into accessible and engaging content, a skill that has earned the newsletter acclaim as one of the best on the internet. Her talks and lectures, delivered at prestigious institutions like MIT, Yale, and Cornell, not only demonstrate her expertise in AI and journalism but also her commitment to educating and influencing the next generation of technology professionals and thinkers.

Karen’s investigative journalism has had a significant impact, with her pieces on topics like Google’s ethical AI, Facebook’s misinformation dilemma, and OpenAI’s labour practices in Kenya drawing attention from influential bodies such as the United States Congress. Her ability to uncover and articulate the intricate ways in which AI intersects with societal and ethical issues has made her work a reference point in academic and policy discussions worldwide. In 2018, her ‘What is AI?’ flowchart gained notable recognition, being featured in a museum exhibit in Vienna, showcasing her ability to simplify and visually represent complex AI concepts.

Karen Hao’s journey as an AI journalist and keynote speaker is characterised by her relentless pursuit of uncovering the truths and implications of AI in society. Her work, deeply rooted in both technical understanding and journalistic integrity, has not only earned her numerous awards and recognitions but has also made her an influential voice in the discourse surrounding artificial intelligence. As AI continues to evolve and shape our world, speakers like Karen play a crucial role in guiding public understanding and policy, ensuring that the development and deployment of AI technologies are aligned with societal values and ethical standards.