معرفی
Karen Elliott is Chair and Professor of Practice in Finance and FinTech at the University of Birmingham's Birmingham Business School, Department of Finance. She is Co-Director of the MSc FinTech programme and leads impactful research in Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR), ethical AI, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance.
Education:
- PhD in Sociology, Durham University (2006–2013)
- MA in Social Research Methods (Sociology), Durham University (2004–2006)
- PGC in Human Resource Management, University of Sunderland (2000–2001)
- BSc (Hons) in Sport Science, University of Teesside (1996–1999)
- Machine Learning Course, LSE (2021, Distinction)
- R and Python Course, Jumping Rivers (2019)
- QCA Expert Course, University of St Gallen (2016, Grade A)
Her research focuses on ethical and responsible digital innovation, particularly through the lens of Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR). She explores how digital technologies impact society, emphasizing equity, transparency, and inclusion. Her work spans fintech, data ethics, verifiable credentials for vulnerable populations (especially those with dementia), and the reduction of the digital divide. She investigates how AI can be engineered to be trustworthy and fair, ensuring citizen-centered design.
Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in ethical AI, digital inclusion, and financial technology, often co-authored with experts in computer science and policy. These works appear in high-impact journals such as IEEE, ACM, Big Data & Society, and Technology in Society, and include influential reports like the Payments Digital Divide Survey.
Scientific Awards and Recognition:
- Standout #35 Women in FinTech Powerlist (Innovate Finance) – 2019, 2020
- Listed in Hubs (Governance) category – 2021
- Member of the Kalifa Review on the Future of UK FinTech (commissioned by HM Treasury)
Karen has secured and led multi-million-pound research projects, including FinTrust, Agency, UKFin Network+ (EPSRC/UKRI funded), and Finclusion (Gates Foundation/Turing Institute). She advises on public policy as a member of the Prime Minister’s Champions Group for Dementia (Digital Inclusion Lead) and as an Ambassador for the Digital Poverty Alliance. She also contributes to global standards through her role in the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, particularly the IEEE P7000™ series. She co-founded the Corporate Digital Responsibility (.net) initiative and participates in the Digital Responsibility Forum and Radix think tank.
She serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies (JEEE) and regularly reviews for journals and UKRI grants. Her interdisciplinary collaborations bridge academia, industry, and government to create a more equitable digital society.
