This high-level session brings together defence industry leaders, policymakers, and AI ethics experts to explore the critical intersection of AI assurance and defence applications. The event will examine how the defence sector can effectively implement AI assurance mechanisms while addressing unique ethical considerations and safety requirements. The event provides a platform for technology professionals to engage with domain experts to examine current best practices.
Through keynote speeches, expert panels, and practical use cases, participants will gain insights into building trust in AI systems, implementing robust assurance frameworks, and ensuring responsible innovation in defence applications. The event will culminate in a forward-looking discussion on the future requirements for AI assurance in defence, followed by networking opportunities for attendees to connect and share experiences.
This session is particularly timely as the defence sector continues to lead in AI adoption while grappling with complex ethical considerations and the need for rigorous safety standards. The insights and discussions from this event will contribute to a paper which look at the broader understanding of sector-specific AI assurance approaches.
Tess Buckley
A digital ethicist and musician, Tess holds a MA in AI and Philosophy, specialising in ableism in biotechnologies. Their professional journey includes working as an AI Ethics Analyst with a dataset on corporate digital responsibility, followed by supporting the development of a specialised model for sustainability disclosure requests. Currently at techUK as programme manager in digital ethics and AI safety, Tess focuses on demystifying and operationalising ethics through assurance mechanisms and standards. Their primary research interests encompass AI music systems, AI fluency, and technology created by and for differently abled individuals. Their overarching goal is to apply philosophical principles to make emerging technologies both explainable and ethical.
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
