Merve Hickok is the founder of AIethicist.org . She is a globally renowned expert on AI policy, ethics and governance. Her contributions and perspective have featured in The New York Times, Guardian, CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, Wired, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Politico, Protocol, Vox, The Economist and S&P. Her research, training and consulting work focuses on impact of AI systems on individuals, society, public and private organizations - with a particular focus on fundamental rights, democratic values, and social justice. She provides consultancy to C-suite leaders, and training services to public and private organizations on Responsible AI development, due diligence and governance.

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Merve is the President and Research Director at Center for AI & Digital Policy, deeply engaged in global AI policy and regulatory work. The Center educates AI policy practitioners and advocates across 80+ countries, advises international organizations (such as European Commission, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, OECD). She has provided testimony to the US Congress, State of California Civil Rights Office, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Detroit City Council, and many global organizations interested in AI policy and ethics. 

At University of Michigan, she is a lecturer at School of Information, the Responsible Data and AI Advisor at Michigan Institute for Data Science, and an affiliated faculty at Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy (Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program).

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Merve also works with several non-profit organizations globally to advance both the academic and professional research in this field for underrepresented groups. She has been recognized by a number of organizations - most recently as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ – 2021, as Runner-up for Responsible AI Leader of the Year - 2022 (Women in AI) as Finalist for Lifetime Achievement Award - Women in AI of the Year - 2023.

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Previously, Merve held various senior roles in Fortune 100 companies for more than 15 years.

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