Responsible AI Symposium showcases outcomes of UKRI-funded research at Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Business Innovation and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS) recently hosted the Responsible AI Symposium, a major event emerging from the UKRI-funded research project AI Maturity for Responsible Innovation.
Gathering at the University’s Craiglockhart Campus on 9 September 2025, the symposium brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and policy to explore how we can build AI ecosystems that are not only innovative, but also ethical, inclusive, and trustworthy.
The project, led by Professor Sukanlaya Sawang, Director of CBISS, highlights Edinburgh Napier University’s role as a research leader in responsible AI and international collaboration.
A day of insightful dialogue and visionary thinking
The symposium was opened by Andy McGoff, Vice Principal for Business Engagement and Dean of the Business School, followed by a keynote-rich programme addressing AI trust, ethics, inclusion, regulation, and innovation.
Keynote speakers included:
- Steph Wright, Head of the Scottish AI Alliance – Why trust, ethics and inclusion matters
- Nicola Anderson, CEO, FinTech Scotland – From regulation to innovation: Shaping ethical AI for financial inclusion
- Alexandra Foster, Director, Global BFSI & Professional Business Services, Fujitsu – Transforming financial services with responsible AI
- Professor Virach Sornlertlamvanic, Musashino University, Japan – Conscious AI – Mission (Im)possible?
- Professor Bill Buchanan, Director, Scottish Centre of Excellence in Digital Trust & Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) – Building Trust in a Digital World: Privacy, Identity, and the Ethics of AI
- Professor Vassilis Charissis, ENU Associate Dean of Research & Innovation – Human-Centred AI in Practice: From AR Co-Drivers to Safe Automation
The day concluded with an expert panel discussion on Building Ethical AI Ecosystems – National Visions, Global Challenges, engaging both speakers and audience in a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives.
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- Professor Sukanlaya Sawang
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- Panel discussion on Building Ethical AI Ecosystems
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- Academia and industry networking
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- Panel discussion on Building Ethical AI Ecosystems
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- Academia and industry networking
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- Conveners and guest speakers of the CBISS Symposium on Responsible AI
Driving real-world impact through collaboration
Professor Sukanlaya Sawang, Principal Investigator of the project and organiser of the symposium, commented:
“This symposium demonstrates the real-world impact of the UKRI-funded AI Maturity for Responsible Innovation project. As a research leader, I am proud that we are not only advancing theory but also creating the partnerships and dialogues needed to shape responsible AI ecosystems globally. The discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration across academia, industry, and policy in addressing the ethical and societal challenges of AI.”
This event was made possible through the valued support of the UKRI International Science Partnerships Fund and the collaboration between CBISS at Edinburgh Napier University and Musashino University, Japan.
About Edinburgh Napier University – CBISS
The Centre for Business Innovation and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS) leads cutting-edge research in responsible innovation, sustainable supply chains, and digital transformation. Through projects funded by UKRI and international partnerships, CBISS supports impact-driven research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn more about the activities of the Centre at: napier.ac.uk/CBISS