IIT Madras Professor B Ravindran Joins UN AI Scientific Panel

Professor B Ravindran from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been appointed to the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This announcement was made by the prestigious institution on Tuesday. Ravindran currently heads the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI and is the founding head of the Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI) at IIT Madras.

The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI was established following a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in August 2025. It aims to serve as a global scientific authority on artificial intelligence, bringing together experts from various regions and disciplines to evaluate the transformative effects of AI on societies and lives worldwide.

V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his pride in Ravindran’s appointment. In a press release, he stated, “This panel is going to play a very important role in achieving the positive impact of AI on our world.”

At the recent India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in Delhi, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the panel’s importance. “Last year, the UN General Assembly took two decisive steps. First, creating an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. I am happy to announce that the panel is now being appointed. These 40 leading experts from across regions and disciplines embody a clear message. AI must belong to everyone. I urge Member States and civil society to contribute to the panel’s work,” he remarked.

On his appointment, Professor Ravindran stated, “AI is a generational technology, and it is affecting everybody, sometimes knowingly and often, even without their knowledge, that their lives are being touched by AI. So, the UN has now constituted an international panel of experts to look at the far-reaching implications of Artificial Intelligence.” He expressed his honor at representing India on this panel and emphasized the importance of a voice for the Global South in discussions about AI.

The establishment of this panel reflects a growing recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to AI governance, particularly as the technology continues to evolve rapidly. Ravindran’s extensive experience in AI research and ethics positions him well to contribute to the panel’s objectives, which include promoting responsible use and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies.

As AI becomes increasingly integral to various sectors, the work of the Independent International Scientific Panel will likely influence policies and frameworks guiding AI development and implementation globally.