Aurelie Jacquet is a leading figure in the development of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) systems. She is an expert in governance and responsible use of emerging technologies, as well as data ethics and privacy. Ms Jacquet’s work in standards for AI has benefitted Australia both nationally and internationally.

‍Before commencing a career in ethics in AI, Aurelie Jacquet received graduate and post-graduate degrees in law from France and Australia. She practiced as a lawyer for over 18 years in financial services and was witness to the global financial crisis, and the regulatory backlash that ensued for algorithmic traders.

At that time, she realised the importance of developing and promoting internationally recognised best practice early to help better promote the responsible use of algorithms within markets worldwide, separate the good actors from the bad, and potentially prevent strong regulatory backlash. From there it was an easy leap to AI.

And from this, Ms Jacquet moved into working on developing AI best practice and helping organisations implement AI responsibly.

Ms Jacquet now works on leading global initiatives for the implementation of Responsible AI. She acts as the chair of the Standards Australia committee representing Australia at the International Standards on Artificial Intelligence (IT-043).  She has held this role since December 2018 and, under her leadership, this committee works to mirror standardisation of AI globally and provide Australia with a voice in the international AI conversation.

As the Chair of IT-043, she believes that standards offer one of the best fora to develop AI international best practice, as not only does ISO operates on the model of 1 vote for 1 country but also has an incomparable track record for achieving consensus on complex issues.

“As data and AI know no boundaries, I truly believe that standards are an essential tool that can enable an international and interoperable approach to technology,” said Ms Jacquet.

“I would advise people to really think about the role standards should play and could play in their industries. I’ve found standards offer an invaluable resource. Within my committee we are working with approximately 200 experts worldwide on developing AI Standards, and I am fortunate to learn about the perspective \s of the 29 countries that are participating in JTC1 SC 42 on AI. This is why Standards are providing a resource I can’t find anywhere else,” also explained Ms Jacquet.

Ms Jacquet is also the co-chair of the first accredited global certification program for AI developed under the Global AI Action Alliance for the World Economic Forum. This group is the world’s first independent, accredited certification program of its kind. Ms Jacquet was awarded, together with her co-chair, the 2021 Responsible AI Institute Leadership Award for their work developing the world’s first independent accredited Responsible AI certification program for the use of AI in lending.

Ms Jacquet is consulting to ASX 20 companies, helping them with the responsible implementation of AI, and she is a Principal Research Consultant on Responsible AI for CSIRO-DATA61. She is also a member of the NSW Government AI Committee and of the Australian Computer Society’s AI Ethics Committee.

Ms Jacquet believes standards are critical in establishing an internationally recognised best practice  that will help organisations implement AI principles, and develop and use AI responsibly.

Last year, Ms Jacquet’s commitment to AI and ethics was recognised by a number of institutions.

She was awarded the Meritorious contribution award (International) by Standards Australia recognising her work and achievement in international standards development. The award highlights her successful influence of international standards for the benefit of Australia.

She was recognised by non-for-profit organisation, The Women in AI Ethics (WAIE) as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics globally, and the Responsible AI Institute Leadership Award.

In the same year she was awarded the winner of the Australian and New Zealand Women in AI and the law Award.

“Aurelie has led an extraordinary life and is without a doubt an impressive individual. We recognise her contributions to Standards Australia as she continues to inspire change through her passion to improve the ease at which emerging technologies such as AI can be introduced into industries as conductive systems for further progress and development within communities,” said Adrian O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia.

“Her insights and knowledge of Responsible AI are essential to strengthening international standards and ultimately international uniformity on complex issues such as AI,” concluded Mr O’Connell.