Kate Crawford is a prominent researcher, writer, composer, producer, and academic specializing in the social and political implications of artificial intelligence. Currently based in New York, she serves as a principal researcher at Microsoft Research and is a co-founder of the AI Now Institute at NYU, where she previously held the position of director of research. Her academic contributions extend to her role as a visiting professor at the MIT Center for Civic Media and as an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, where she focuses on the intersection of technology and society.

Crawford’s research critically examines how AI influences various aspects of human life, including gender, race, and economic status. She argues that AI systems often reflect and reinforce existing power dynamics and inequalities. Her work has been published in prestigious journals and has garnered attention for its exploration of the environmental and ethical impacts of AI. Notably, her book “Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence” has received multiple awards and was recognized as one of the best books of the year by New Scientist and the Financial Times.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Crawford has a rich background in music and art. She was part of the Canberra electronic music duo B(if)tek and co-founded the Deluxe Mood Recordings label. Her artistic endeavors include the acclaimed project “Anatomy of an AI System,” which has been exhibited globally and is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Crawford’s influence extends beyond academia and art; she has advised policymakers at the United Nations and the European Parliament. Her ongoing projects, such as the Knowing Machines Project, further demonstrate her commitment to understanding and shaping the future of AI. With a PhD from the University of Sydney and numerous accolades, including the Sally Hacker Prize, Crawford continues to be a leading voice in the discourse surrounding artificial intelligence and its societal implications.