Ada Lovelace Institute opens search for a new Chair of the Board

The Ada Lovelace Institute is advertising for a new Chair of the Board, as Dame Wendy Hall DBE, FRS, FREng completes her term as Chair. The job description and how to apply are available on the Ada Lovelace Institute website.

Founded by the Nuffield Foundation in 2018, in collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute, the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Statistical Society, the Wellcome Trust, Luminate, techUK and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Ada Lovelace Institute has established itself as a trusted, evidence-based research institute that brings public perspectives to fast-moving and complex questions concerning the effects of data and AI on people and society. 

Appointed as Chair by the Nuffield Foundation – the independent funder of the Ada Lovelace Institute – for a three-year term in June 2020, Dame Wendy Hall has brought her experience shaping science and engineering policy and education in the UK and internationally, to guide and shape the development of the Institute. During her tenure, she has overseen the Institute’s growth in size and stature, the publication of several major reports and the establishment of an important research partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council.  

Dame Wendy Hall said:  ‘It has been a pleasure to support and guide the Ada Lovelace Institute as Chair through this vital phase, following in the steps of Sir Alan Wilson. My tenure has coincided with the COVID-19 crisis, where Ada – although a relatively new organisation – proved the need for an independent, evidence-led voice in the public debate on how data and AI should be used in the interests of people and society. I will always be proud of what Ada has achieved during my tenure as Chair.  It has been a great pleasure to work with the Ada Board, Carly Kind and her team, who bring much-needed evidence to the development of data and AI policy and practice, which is something I remain passionate about.’ 

Carly Kind, Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, said:  ‘Dame Wendy has brought substantial value to the Ada Lovelace Institute, in particular through her pioneering insights into the sociotechnical nature of AI and data-driven systems – a perspective that is critical to the Ada Lovelace Institute’s approach to policy and practice. The Institute has benefited hugely from her expertise in data science, building connections across academia, government and industry.’ 

Sir Keith Burnett, Chair of the Nuffield Foundation, said:  ‘Dame Wendy Hall is one of the most influential scientists in the UK, and the Nuffield Foundation is grateful for her contribution as Chair of the Ada Lovelace Institute. Dame Wendy’s research has been a driving force in the development of her discipline, and through her senior leadership and advisory roles she has shaped science and technology policy both in the UK and internationally. The international search for a replacement Chair starts now.’ 

The Institute seeks applicants for the role of Chair, who will oversee Ada’s strategy and remit and advise the Director and Executive, ensure that the Institute adheres to good governance principles and provide tangible support for Ada’s mission, including reviewing and contributing to research projects and outputs. The new Chair is likely to have experience managing a large or complex team, department or non-profit organisation, as well as a strong interest in the intersection of technology and society, and its effects on people’s wellbeing. 

For further information, including how to apply, see the role description.