Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of a new patron, Dr Kate Devlin. A computer scientist specialising in artificial intelligence, Dr Devlin joins a stable of nearly 200 Humanists UK patrons with distinguished careers in arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.
Born in Portaferry, Northern Ireland, Kate Devlin began her academic career in the field of archaeology at Queen’s University Belfast, before changing her focus to computer science. She was awarded a doctorate in computer science in 2004 from the University of Bristol, and subsequently went on to teach at Goldsmiths, University of London and King’s College London. She is currently Reader in Artificial Intelligence & Society in the Department of Digital Humanities at King’s.
She is recognised as a leading expert, and a driving force, in the field of intimacy and technology. She is probably best known for her acclaimed book on the subject, Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots, published in 2018. She has written a number of articles for New Scientist, Prospect, and Sunday Times amongst others, featured on BBC Radios 1–5, guested on a wide range of podcasts, and made a number of TV appearances, TEDx talks, and numerous other tech and philosophy events.
In 2017, Devlin spoke at the Humanists UK Convention in Cambridge with a talk on the impact of technology on human sexuality and behaviour. In 2022, she appeared in Belfast to speak at the 2022 Humanists UK Convention on the politics of artificial intelligence and human fallibility.
Commenting on Kate’s appointment, Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘We’re delighted to have Kate on board as our newest patron. As a leader in her field, she brings a new area of expertise to Humanists UK – and one that closely examines the nature and complexities of the human condition. We all look forward to working with her.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Humanists UK has nearly 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, author, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor Alice Roberts, Professor AC Grayling, Shaparak Khorsandi, and Polly Toynbee.