Moate researcher delivers TEDx talk on trustworthy AI in Galway
A Moate native and PhD researcher Louise McCormack took centre stage at TEDx Galway last week, delivering an inspiring talk on the ethical standards of artificial intelligence.
The event, held on November 14, featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Olympic medalist Aifric Keogh and Rachael Ryan, Head of Global Research & Insights at TikTok.
For Louise, the evening was particularly special as her parents were in the audience to witness her milestone achievement.
Reflecting on the moment, she said: "Having my parents in the audience as I delivered a TEDx talk on Artificial Intelligence was particularly special. My Dad, who owned a computer shop in Tullamore in the '90s and recently retired from a 25-year career at Intel, gave me a book on Visual Basic in 1999—where I first learned to code.
"My mum taught me and my siblings, with great patience, from about the age of three or four to practice public speaking and singing, having us stand on a coffee table facing the mirror, and practice in the weeks leading up to every single Moate feis, which was something we loved doing in the '90s."
Louise's talk focused on her pioneering work at the ADAPT Centre, University of Galway, where she is developing tools to evaluate and quantify the trustworthiness of AI systems, specifically on the gap in technology available to regulators to actually enforce regulations around AI systems, including the EU AI Act which is being rolled out in stages over the next few years.
Her research aims to ensure that AI technologies align with ethical principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and human oversight—especially in high-risk areas like judicial sentencing and financial services.
"I've been watching TED and TEDx videos since I was a teenager, so sharing the stage with leaders in their fields was both humbling and exhilarating. It was one of the proudest moments of my career," she added.
"Before the show, the seven of us women were backstage in the green room listening to Taylor Swift’s 'Long Live’, and I think I will always remember that moment; it was truly special."
The TEDxGalway event showcased a diverse group of speakers comprising Rachael Ryan, a seasoned research professional from TikTok, explored how audiences and culture evolve in a rapidly changing landscape; Aifric Keogh, an Olympic bronze medalist, shared insights from her athletic career and academic pursuits; Áine Gallagher, artist and comedian, entertained with her unique storytelling style that makes the Irish language accessible to all; Louise Lally, trainer and mentor, discussed leadership and performance management in the retail sector; Dr. Siobhán Morrissey, university researcher and lecturer, delved into children's literature and modern editing practices and Mei-Ling McNamara, investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, highlighted her work on human rights and environmental issues.