IIT Madras Professor among 40 Experts Nominated by UN Chief to Serve on Scientific Panel on AI
On February 5, 2026, it was announced that a professor from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been nominated by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to serve on a new independent scientific panel focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This panel aims to address the growing influence of AI technologies on global society.
Overview of the Panel
The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence is set to consist of 40 distinguished experts from various regions around the world. The panel will operate for a three-year term following its appointment. The establishment of this panel is a response to the increasing need for a coordinated approach to AI governance and its implications for humanity.
Professor Balaraman Ravindran
Among those nominated is Balaraman Ravindran, who leads the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) at IIT Madras. He is also the head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), and the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the institution.
Ravindran holds a PhD from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He has been recognized as a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
Significance of the Panel
During a press conference, Guterres emphasized the importance of the panel, stating, “We are taking an important step to help ensure Artificial Intelligence serves all of humanity.” The establishment of the panel aligns with the mandate given by UN Member States in the “Pact for the Future,” which aims to enhance multilateral solutions for emerging technologies that are reshaping various aspects of life.
Guterres further elaborated that the panel will be the first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to addressing the AI knowledge gap and assessing the real impacts of AI across economies and societies. He mentioned the necessity of creating shared understandings to build effective regulations, unlock innovation for the common good, and foster international cooperation.
Panel Composition and Selection Process
The selection process for the panel was highly competitive, with over 2,600 applications received globally. Guterres proposed a list of 40 individuals with extensive expertise across multiple disciplines, including:
- Machine Learning
- Data Governance
- Public Health
- Cybersecurity
- Childhood Development
- Human Rights
Members of the panel will serve in their personal capacities, independent of any government, corporation, or institution. This independence is crucial for maintaining objectivity and credibility in the panel’s assessments and recommendations.
Gender Balance and Global Representation
The panel is notable for its gender balance, comprising 19 women and 21 men, all recognized for their global expertise. The experts come from a diverse array of countries, including:
- Ethiopia
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- Canada
- Mexico
- Egypt
- Iran
- South Korea
- Finland
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Brazil
- South Africa
- Japan
- Russia
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- China
Among the notable members is Maria Ressa, a journalist from the Philippines and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as well as Professor Vipin Kumar from the United States.
Future Directions
The panel’s first report is expected to be released in time to inform the Global Dialogue on AI Governance scheduled for July. This report will be pivotal in shaping future discussions and policies surrounding AI technologies.
According to Amandeep Singh Gill, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Technology, the candidates were selected based on their outstanding expertise in AI and related fields. An interdisciplinary perspective was adopted during the assessment process to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of AI.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by AI technologies. With experts like Professor Balaraman Ravindran at the forefront, the panel is poised to provide valuable insights and guidance on AI governance that will benefit humanity as a whole.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest announcements and developments as of February 2026.
