David Leslie

Professor of Ethics, Technology & Society at Queen Mary University of London, Director of Ethics & Responsible Innovation Research at The Alan Turing Institute, Founding Editor of Springer’s AI & Ethics Journal & Co-Author of Explaining Decisions Made with AI

David Leslie’s Biography:

David Leslie is a globally respected authority on artificial intelligence ethics, governance and responsible innovation, recognised for shaping international conversations on the ethical development of emerging technologies. As the Professor of Ethics, Technology and Society at Queen Mary University of London and Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at The Alan Turing Institute, David is widely sought after as a speaker for his ability to translate complex ethical and technological challenges into practical frameworks for governments, businesses and academic institutions. His work has directly influenced public policy, including authoring the UK Government’s official guidance on the responsible design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector, Understanding Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Safety.

David’s academic career has spanned some of the world’s leading institutions. He taught at Princeton University through the Center for Human Values, served as an instructor at Yale University within the Ethics, Politics and Economics programme, and worked at Harvard University on the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies. Further strengthening his expertise in technology ethics, he contributed to Princeton’s Center for Information Technology Policy research collaboration on AI governance and political philosophy. David has also held prestigious appointments as a Mellon-Sawyer Fellow in Technology and Humanities at Boston University and a Fellow at MIT Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values.

Alongside his academic work, David is a leading voice in AI ethics publishing and policy development. He is the co-author of Explaining Decisions Made with AI, sits on the Editorial Board of the Harvard Data Science Review and is the founding editor of Springer’s AI and Ethics journal. His recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence were adopted by 193 Member States of UNESCO, further demonstrating his global influence. In 2021, he also received the Royal Statistical Society Award for Excellence in Investigative Journalism.

David continues to lead influential research projects focused on the societal impact of AI and machine learning. As Principal Investigator and lead co-author of the NESTA-funded Ethics Review of Machine Learning in Children’s Social Care, he explored the ethical implications of automated decision-making within public services. Combining academic rigour with practical policy experience, David delivers insightful keynote speeches on AI governance, trust, accountability and the future of responsible innovation, helping organisations navigate the rapidly evolving relationship between technology and society.

Why Hire David Leslie?

David is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled expertise in AI ethics, governance and responsible innovation. Combining world-class academic insight with hands-on policy experience, he delivers clear and thought-provoking talks on the ethical challenges shaping artificial intelligence today. Having advised governments, international organisations and leading research institutions, David equips audiences with practical frameworks for building trustworthy and accountable AI systems. His engaging presentations explore AI regulation, public trust, bias, transparency and the societal impact of emerging technologies, making him a highly valuable speaker for business leaders, policymakers, universities and technology conferences worldwide.

David Leslie’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define David Leslie’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Continued advising organisations and policymakers on responsible AI governance and ethical innovation strategies.
  • 2024 – Expanded his international influence through research and keynote speaking on AI ethics and public trust in emerging technologies.
  • 2023 – Continued serving on the Editorial Board of the Harvard Data Science Review and as Founding Editor of Springer’s AI and Ethics journal.
  • 2022 – Supported global conversations on ethical AI implementation following the adoption of UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations.
  • 2021 – Won the Royal Statistical Society Award for Excellence in Investigative Journalism.
  • 2020 – Served as Principal Investigator and lead co-author of the NESTA-funded Ethics Review of Machine Learning in Children’s Social Care.
  • 2014 – Received the Stanley Hoffman Prize for Teaching Excellence for his academic contributions and teaching impact.
  • 2010 – Held academic and research positions at Princeton University, Yale University and Harvard University, specialising in ethics, political philosophy and technology governance.