Laura Gilbert

Dr Laura Gilbert is a leading voice in the global conversation around artificial intelligence and one of the UK’s foremost experts on its practical and ethical use in society. She is currently the Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she works with governments and organisations around the world to guide AI adoption in ways that are safe, effective, and forward-thinking. Her focus is not just on what AI can do, but how it should be used to deliver real public value.

Before joining the Tony Blair Institute, Dr Gilbert was at the heart of AI strategy within UK government. She served as the Director of the Incubator for AI at 10 Downing Street, and was previously the Director of Data Science and founding Director of 10DS, the in-house data and analytics team at No.10. In these roles, she helped senior decision-makers use AI and data to respond to complex challenges, from national security to public health. Her leadership brought advanced analytics into policy conversations at the highest level.

Dr Gilbert’s work combines technical depth with strategic insight. She holds an MSci and BA in Physics from the University of Cambridge, and a DPhil in Particle Physics from the University of Oxford. She has also worked as Head of AI for Government at the Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford and is the Co-Founder of Rutherford Research Limited, further highlighting her ability to bridge science, policy, and innovation. Her academic background and career history give her a unique ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear, impactful way.

In recognition of her contributions, Dr Gilbert was appointed CBE for Services to Technology and Analysis. She also holds a position as a Visiting Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics, where she continues to engage with the next generation of thinkers and policymakers. As a keynote speaker, she brings credibility, clarity, and urgency to discussions about AI’s role in society — offering audiences the insight they need to navigate one of the most important issues of our time. Her work at the highest levels of government and global policy make her a compelling speaker on how AI is transforming society, and how leaders can respond with clarity, ethics and vision.