Prof. Rita Orji, PhD

Leading the democratization of AI safety and governance by building bridges between underrepresented communities and global AI leadership opportunities: • Building a global network connecting underrepresented talent with AI safety and governance opportunities • Delivering transformative AI training programs • Developing strategic partnerships with academic institutions and policy organizations to democratize access to AI leadership roles • Creating mentorship programs that bridge the gap between diverse communities and AI policy-making spaces • Mobilizing funding mechanisms to support early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in AI safety research Early Milestones: • Trained 500+ participants through flagship AI safety and governance workshop, demonstrating scalable impact model • Completed successful 1-month intensive bootcamp, equipping emerging technologists with practical AI governance skills • Spearheaded organization addressing critical diversity gaps in AI governance identified by UNESCO and global AI bodies • Initiated conversations with potential partner organizations across academia, industry, and policy sectors • Developed strategic framework aligning our mission with UN Sustainable Development Goals and AI governance priorities

Selected as one of 25 national experts advising on Canada's multi-million dollar digital research infrastructure investments and strategic direction. Strategic Advisory Role: • Advising Alliance Board and management on researcher needs for the national digital research infrastructure • Shaping strategic priorities for major DRI investments in high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and AI capabilities • Contributing to the national AI Strategy Task Force on infrastructure enablement, research talent, and education • Representing diverse research voices across cultures, languages, regions, and academic disciplines • Informing the development of AI research infrastructure including GPU resources, compute, data, and software systems

• Contribute to global research on AI governance, ethics, rights, and international policy frameworks, aligning with UN and OECD AI principles. • Collaborate with an international community of experts to analyze AI risks, opportunities, and standards, providing evidence-based insights for policymakers. • Support initiatives that advance responsible AI deployment in diverse global contexts.- Contribute to global research on AI governance, ethics, rights, and international policy frameworks, aligning with UN and OECD AI principles. - Collaborate with an international community of experts to analyze AI risks, opportunities, and standards, providing evidence-based insights for policymakers. - Support initiatives that advance responsible AI deployment in diverse global contexts. - Data-Driven Policy Development and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Serving as one of 11 senior researchers advising ACENET's executive team on strategic direction for Atlantic Canada's advanced research computing infrastructure. Providing monthly guidance on computational resource allocation, service delivery, and emerging technology needs across maritime institutions.Contributing to decisions impacting thousands of researchers across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

Appointed to high-level Expert Panel providing strategic guidance and independent oversight for global initiative addressing women's underrepresentation in science leadership. Strategic Advisory Role: Guiding major international study by ISC, InterAcademy Partnership, and Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science Validating research on structural barriers across science academies and international scientific unions Developing evidence-based policy recommendations for different organizational and geographic contexts Ensuring scientific rigor and practical applicability of findings

Elected to Africa's premier scientific academy recognizing exceptional contributions to advancing science, technology, and innovation. Among a distinguished cohort of scholars shaping Africa's scientific agenda and influencing global research priorities through a Global South lens. Advancing AAS's mission to transform lives through science by bridging North-South research collaborations, mentoring next-generation African scientists, and advocating for equitable representation in global AI policy frameworks.

Selected as one of 200 outstanding early-career scientists globally, representing interdisciplinary excellence and commitment to science for society. International Leadership Role: • Contributing to global science policy through organization with full membership in InterAcademy Partnership - network of 138 science academies worldwide • Serving on advisory board of UN Major Group for Children and Youth • Engaging in science diplomacy and policy advisory at international level • Facilitating international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational dialogue on global challenges • Five-year term membership based on scientific excellence and international peer review