Chennai: Professor B Ravindran of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has been appointed to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, a global body established by the United Nations to provide rigorous and independent scientific assessment of AI’s impact on society.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI was constituted through UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/325 on 26 August 2025.
The panel serves as the first global scientific body on Artificial Intelligence, bringing together 40 leading experts from diverse regions and disciplines to evaluate how AI is transforming lives and societies worldwide.
With the appointment of Professor B Ravindran, India gains representation in this newly formed global scientific initiative focused on AI governance and evidence-based policymaking.
The formation of the panel follows the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1), adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future. The compact outlined a shared vision for an open, safe, and inclusive digital future and called for the establishment of a global scientific body to advance understanding of AI.
Through this initiative, the United Nations aims to ensure that international discussions on Artificial Intelligence are guided by the best available scientific evidence. The inclusion of Professor B Ravindran further strengthens India’s voice in global AI deliberations.
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Addressing the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in Delhi last week, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “Meeting in India has special meaning. It brings this conversation closer to the realities shaping much of the world. Last year, the UN General Assembly took two decisive steps. First, creating an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. I am happy to announce that the panel is now being appointed. These 40 leading experts from across regions and disciplines embody a clear message.
AI must belong to everyone. You must replace hype and fear with shared evidence and close knowledge gaps. I urge Member States and civil society to contribute to the panels’ work. In a world where AI is racing ahead, this Panel will provide what’s been missing – rigorous, independent scientific insight. Second, launching a global dialogue on AI Governance within United Nations where all countries, together with the private sector, academia, and civil society, can have a voice.”
Professor B Ravindran currently serves as the Founding Head of the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras and is the Head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI).
With more than three decades of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Professor B Ravindran’s research interests include responsible AI and deep reinforcement learning.
His appointment to the UN panel underscores the growing recognition of Indian academic leadership in shaping global AI frameworks.
Professor B Ravindran: Representing India in Experts Panel and Voice of Global South
Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said: “I am extremely happy that one of my colleagues, Prof. B. Ravindran, is a member of this august panel. Prof. B Ravindran is playing a very important role in the Centre for Responsible AI.
IIT Madras, in general and I, in specific, are extremely happy that Prof. B. Ravindran is part of this very important International Scientific Panel on AI, set up by the United Nations. I wish him and the panel all the best. This panel is going to play a very important role in achieving the positive impact of AI on our world.”
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Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Professor B Ravindran said: “AI is a generational technology, and it is affecting everybody, sometimes knowingly and often, even without their knowledge, that their lives are being touched by AI.
So, the UN has now constituted an international panel of experts to look at the far-reaching implications of Artificial Intelligence. I am very honoured to be representing India in this panel of experts and the voice of the Global South.”
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI is designed to strengthen global scientific cooperation, generate evidence-based insights on AI deployment, and support international governance efforts by offering independent, multidisciplinary expertise.
