Dr Shakir Mohamed is a pioneer in statistical machine learning and AI. Currently serving as a Research Scientist and Lead at DeepMind, he works with probabilistic reasoning, deep learning and reinforcement learning to develop general-purpose learning algorithms. The accomplished scientist is at the forefront of advancing machine learning principles, applied questions in healthcare and climate sociotechnical systems. He is also leading the way in ethics and diversity transformation in AI. Now available to hire as a speaker, Shakir shares his industry-leading insights on machine learning and AI.
A distinguished student, Shakir earned his BSc in Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he received the Chancellor’s Medal, Dr. D. L. Bernstein Award, SAIMM Gold Medal and the Bernard Price Prize in Electrical Engineering. Prior to moving to the UK, Shakir began his career as a Business Analyst for Nedbank, working on credit risk analysis for retail home loans. He completed his PhD in Statistical Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge in 2011 before joining the Canadian Institute for Advance Research as a Junior Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia.
In 2013, he became a Senior Researcher in Statistical Machine Learning at DeepMind Technologies, where he worked on general-purpose learning algorithms. On a mission to build pan-African capacity and ownership in AI, Shakir is the founder and trustee of Deep Learning Indaba, an up-and-coming grassroots organisation. He is also a member of several notable organisations, such as the Royal Society’s Diversity Committee, and an Associate Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence.
As a prominent thought leader in AI, Shakir Mohamed has made significant contributions to the field and has been highly recognised for his expertise. He served as the General Chair for the 2021 International Conference on Learning Representations, and in recognition of his world-class knowledge in probabilistic reasoning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, he was named an Honorary Professor at University College London. Known for his engaging and eloquent speaking style, Shakir has delivered numerous impactful presentations on AI, including his recent TEDx talk titled “Machinery of Grace.” With an impressive average client rating of 9.7 as a keynote speaker, he is highly sought after for his ability to captivate audiences and provide insights on humane AI, deep learning, and machine learning, representing the next generation of AI pioneers.
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