Joanna Bryson

Joanna Bryson is a Professor of Ethics and Technology at The Hertie School in Berlin. Her research focuses on AI ethics, technology's impact on human cooperation, and AI/ICT governance. Previously, she held a faculty position at the University of Bath (2002-2019) and was affiliated with Harvard University, the University of Oxford, the University of Mannheim, and Princeton University. Her work includes pioneering AI ethics research, notably co-authoring the UK's Principles of Robotics (2010), the first national AI ethics policy. Since 2020, she has represented Germany in the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence.

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology and Artificial Intelligence, University of Chicago
• MSc and MPhil, University of Edinburgh
• PhD in Artificial Intelligence, MIT

Research Interests: Bryson explores how technology shapes societal norms, with emphasis on governance frameworks for AI. Her work bridges ethics, policy, and technical design, addressing issues like transparency in robotics, algorithmic accountability, and transnational regulatory collaboration. She advocates for human-centric AI policies that prioritize societal well-being over corporate or national interests.

Recent Contributions: Her recent work includes analyzing polarization under economic stress, critiquing EU digital sovereignty strategies, and advising Estonia’s AI Ethics Network. She frequently engages with policymakers to shape equitable AI frameworks.

Labs & Networks: Bryson contributes to the Hertie School’s Centre for Digital Governance, focusing on governance of emerging technologies. She maintains global academic collaborations and advises international bodies on AI ethics.