Bríd-Áine Parnell

Research keywords: NLP, Narratives, Policy, Media Studies, Science and Technology Studies

Bio:

Prior to starting her PhD, Bríd-Áine completed an MSc in Narrative Futures: Art, Data, and Society at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, where her work centred on the narrative environment that shaped the EU AI Act. Her interdisciplinary studies span ethical data practices, data capitalism, computational text analysis, and algorithmic justice, equipping her with insights into both technological and societal dimensions of AI.

With a background in journalism, Bríd-Áine brings expertise in distilling complex technical content for diverse audiences. Her experience spans global technology issues with a focus on economic, social and legal implications, science and technology communication, and media processes and strategies. Bríd-Áine’s blend of narrative, media and technical expertise positions her to offer fresh perspectives on the impact of AI and NLP in society and help balance the narrative of an evolving digital world.

PhD research:

The design and regulation of AI and NLP face a unique challenge. We rely on a narrow set of ideas about what AI and NLP are, what they can do and what their future may be. These AI stories are limited not only because further understanding requires technological expertise, but also because those with the expertise often want to control the hype. Bríd-Áine’s research aims to challenge limited perspectives on technology, uncover the stories of AI’s impact on society, and give multiple stakeholders a voice in our future.

Supervisor: Pip Thornton