AI and Responsible Conduct of Research
Monday, 17 February, 2025
The AI and Responsible Conduct of Research symposium will showcase the use of AI in research, and address current and future challenges, both technical and ethical, presented by such use. This event will take place in University College Dublin on the 13th March 2025.
We are delighted to be joined by the distinguished Reggie Townsend, Vice President of the SAS Data Ethics Practice, and a leading voice on Trustworthy and Responsible AI. Reggie will give a keynote address which will be followed by a panel discussion with (opens in a new window)Dr. (opens in a new window)Maura Hiney, (opens in a new window)Prof. Grace Mulcahy, and (opens in a new window)Prof. Eugenia Siapera.
Venue: Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin.
Date: 13th March 2025
Agenda:
14:00 - 14:30 Welcome Reception & Student Poster Gallery
14:30 - 14:35 Opening Address: (opens in a new window)Prof. Grace Mulcahy
14:35 - 15:00 Applied AI across the UCD research landscape: (opens in a new window)Prof. Patricia Maguire
15:00 - 15:45 Keynote: (opens in a new window)Reggie Townsend
15:45 - 16:45 Panel Discussion: (opens in a new window)Dr. (opens in a new window)Maura Hiney, (opens in a new window)Prof. Grace Mulcahy, (opens in a new window)Prof. Eugenia Siapera, and (opens in a new window)Reggie Townsend.
16:45 - 16:50 Closing Remarks: Prof. Kate Robson Brown, UCD VP for Research Innovation and Impact.
(opens in a new window)Register here
Reggie Townsend Bio
VP, Data Ethics Practice, SAS; Board Member, EqualAI
As Vice President of the SAS Data Ethics Practice (DEP), Reggie Townsend leads a consistent and globally coordinated effort to provide strategies that empower employees and customers to deploy data-driven systems that promote human well-being, agency and equity. The DEP supports internal and external solutions, organized around advisory services and enablement, product strategy and thought leadership.
The US Department of Commerce has named Townsend to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC). The NAIAC advises the President and the National AI Initiative Office on a range of issues related to AI. Townsend also sits on the board of EqualAI, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing unconscious bias in the development and use of AI.
Previously, Townsend served as an Advisory Consulting Business Development Manager at SAS, where he delivered cloud, consulting and managed services engagements for the health care and life sciences industries. He has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, program management, consulting and business development, focusing on topics such as advanced analytics, cloud computing and AI. With visibility across multiple industries and sectors where the use of AI is growing, he combines this extensive business and technology expertise with a passion for equity and human empowerment.
Townsend holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from Southern Illinois University, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology. His other accomplishments include receiving the SAS CEO Award of Excellence, the company’s premier employee award that recognizes exceptional work and embodiment of core values, in 2021.
In addition, Townsend serves as Account Director for the Taproot Foundation, where he leads teams in pro bono consulting projects on behalf of nonprofit organizations throughout the Chicago area.