Prof. Elvira Perez Vallejos wins AI Ethics award
Named 2025's One of One Hundred Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. We talk to Vallejos about her groundbreaking work
Inspired by the growing role of digital technologies in all aspects of our lives, including how we approach and experience death, Professor Vajellos talks to us about her current work, how it impacts society, and the opportunities available to students at the university.
What are your current research interests?
My current research interests lie at the intersection of mental health and digital technology, with a specific focus on the ethical challenges presented by the increasing application of AI in end-of-life care and bereavement.
This includes a critical examination of emerging digital afterlife immortality services, such as griefbots, deadbots, and postmortem avatars, and their potential impact on the processes of grief and mourning.
As AI capabilities advance, particularly in areas like generative AI, the possibilities for creating digital representations of the deceased become increasingly sophisticated. This raises critical questions about the ethical boundaries, the potential psychological impact on the bereaved, and the need for responsible innovation
What is one of the most exciting advancements of your research?
One of the most exciting aspects of this research is exploring the multifaceted ethical dimensions of deathtech. This involves analysing the potential for AI to both assist and complicate the grieving process, as well as considering issues of consent, privacy, and the long-term societal implications of creating digital afterlives.
For instance, the development of conversational avatars that mimic deceased individuals raises questions about authenticity, the potential for hindering the natural grieving process, and the need for transparency in how these systems are designed and used.
Furthermore, the application of AI in assisted dying, while still in its nascent stages, presents profound ethical and legal challenges that require careful consideration and robust guidelines.
The goal is to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that enhances human well-being and respects the sensitive nature of death and bereavement.
Elvira Perez Vallejos
Professor of Mental Health and Digital Technology
How does UoN support early-career researchers?
The University of Nottingham provides a strong and supportive environment for researchers, particularly early-career researchers in Computer Science and related fields.
The School of Computer Science boasts a research environment that was rated as 100% 'world leading' and ranked #1 in the UK in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.This demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence.
The Faculty of Science also has a Doctoral Training Centre in Artificial Intelligence, providing further support and opportunities for postgraduate researchers.
The School of Computer Science has strong links with various research groups, such as the Responsible Digital Futures group, which directly aligns with the area of deathtech. Students can explore project ideas from potential supervisors and participate in research seminars.
Elvira Perez Vallejos
Professor of Mental Health and Digital Technology
What makes UoN a unique and exciting place to conduct research?
The School of Computer Science is recognized as an international center of excellence, with expertise in a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, data science, human-computer interaction, and responsible digital futures.
The University fosters a strong interdisciplinary research environment, encouraging collaborations across different faculties, including Medicine, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences, which is crucial for a field like deathtech that requires expertise from diverse domains.
The emphasis on 'computing in the world' reflects a commitment to connecting fundamental advances in computer science with real-world applications and societal impact. Also, the University's strong performance in research assessments, with its Computer Science department ranking highly for research environment and output, underscores its dedication to research quality and innovation.
The presence of specialized research groups like the Mixed Reality Laboratory and the Responsible Digital Futures group provides a rich and stimulating environment for postgraduate research in emerging areas.
What are your future research goals and what do you hope to achieve in the next five to ten years?
A primary aim is to develop comprehensive ethical frameworks and guidelines specifically tailored for the design, development, and deployment of AI in deathtech. This will involve in-depth exploration of issues such as consent, data privacy and security, and the potential impact on mental health and the grieving process.
A crucial goal is to foster collaboration with technology developers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to translate research findings into practical guidelines and regulations that promote responsible innovation in deathtech.
Finally, I aim to expand public engagement and dialogue around the ethical implications of deathtech, ensuring that the perspectives of various stakeholders are considered in the development and deployment of these technologies.
