Sander Beckers

Sander Beckers is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the CHAI project (Causality in Healthcare and AI) at the Department of Statistical Science, University College London. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at Cornell University, University of Amsterdam, University of Tübingen, LMU Munich, and Utrecht University. His academic journey spans both computer science and philosophy, with a unique interdisciplinary approach bridging technical AI methods and philosophical inquiry.

Beckers' research primarily focuses on causality, with particular emphasis on actual causation, causal models, and supervenience. His work in the philosophy of AI explores explainable, responsible, and fair AI systems, along with the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He also maintains active research interests in philosophy of science and Wittgenstein studies. His interdisciplinary approach combines formal methods from computer science with philosophical rigor, creating a distinctive niche at the intersection of technical AI development and ethical considerations.

His publication record reveals a consistent trajectory toward increasingly applied work in AI ethics and causal reasoning. Beginning with foundational work on causal models and actual causation, Beckers has progressively focused on practical applications in AI systems, particularly regarding moral responsibility, harm quantification, and explainability. His recent work demonstrates a clear shift toward addressing concrete challenges in healthcare AI, where causal reasoning intersects with ethical decision-making in high-stakes environments.

His notable achievements include:

• Best Paper Award for 'Backtracking Counterfactuals' at CLeaR 2023
• Recognition as Top Reviewer for UAI 2025
• Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers (2019-2021)
• Research Fellowship from the Belgian American Educational Foundation

Beckers has served on numerous PhD committees and has been an active reviewer for major AI and philosophy journals and conferences. His teaching experience spans institutions including University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, and University of Leuven, where he has instructed courses on Philosophy & AI, Philosophical Logic, and Actual Causation. He has also co-organized significant academic events, including the 2023 Workshop on Causality for Ethics and Society at LMU Munich.

Currently, Beckers is part of the CHAI project at UCL, which focuses on applying causal reasoning to healthcare AI applications. This work represents the culmination of his research trajectory, bringing together his expertise in causal modeling with practical applications in medical decision-making systems where ethical considerations and causal understanding are paramount.