Shaping the Future of Safe AI: the SAINTS Public Panel

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) has recently recruited members of the public to join our brand-new Public Panel.

Launched in 2024 and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), SAINTS is the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD program dedicated solely to the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

Based at the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, we train researchers to ensure AI systems—like medical robots or self-driving cars—remain safe and beneficial for everyone as they move into the real world.

We believe AI safety should be defined by human values, not just computer code. Our panel members are not technical experts. They are: 

• Curious: Interested in the benefits of AI but curious about what could go wrong regarding privacy, fairness, or safety.
• Honest: Happy to speak up and ask questions like, “Is this safe for everyone, or just some people?”.
• Lived Experience: Those whose lives are already impacted by AI, such as using AI for health conditions or using driver assistance systems (e.g., automatic parking).

As a panel member, they will act as a “critical friend” to our PhD students. Their role is to:

• Provide a real-world perspective on research to help students understand public concerns, fears, and expectations.
• Act as a bridge between high-level academic research and the people who will eventually use or be affected by AI.
• Ensure research is socially acceptable, ethical, and accessible to the public

The CDT is not currently recruiting for any additional panel members. If this changes then we will update this webpage.