CITIC researcher Amparo Alonso, becomes a full member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences

Amparo Alonso, a researcher at the University of A Coruña’s Information and Communication Technologies Research Centre, a member of the CIGUS Network, an initiative launched by the regional government (Xunta de Galicia) that groups together centres of accredited scientific excellence within the Galician university system, has recently become a full member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences (RAC).   

‘Green and responsible AI’ was the topic of the researcher’s speech during her investiture as a member of the academy. During her intervention, she highlighted the influence artificial intelligence (AI) is having on contemporary society, comparing it with the revolution the discovery of electricity brought about in its day. She stressed that AI is transforming the way people interact, mentioning everyday examples such as the use of self-checkouts in stores. Amparo Alonso emphasized the importance of recognising that artificial intelligence is merely a tool, stressing the role society must play in ensuring it is used correctly.  

One of the aspects the CITIC researcher highlighted during her speech was the current geopolitical scenario in terms of AI development. China leads investments in this field, followed by the USA, home to the sector’s leading companies. In contrast, Europe, which ranks third, is showing a greater concern for artificial intelligence and how it can serve society, advocating its regulation.   

The investiture ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities, including Asunción Gómez-Pérez, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Madrid’s Polytechnic University and a member of the Royal Academy for the Spanish Language (RAE), as well as Ricardo Cao, Vice-Chancellor of the University of A Coruña.   

Amparo Alonso joined the Exact Sciences section of the Spanish Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, after being proposed by academy members Enrique Castillo, José Bonet and José Duato. Her incorporation reflects her influence and contribution to the field of artificial intelligence and her commitment to the responsible and sustainable development of this technology.