Professor B Ravindran of IIT Madras has been appointed to the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The premier research institution announced the appointment on Tuesday.
UN Panel on AI
The UN General Assembly established the panel in August 2025. It acts as a global scientific body on AI. The panel comprises leading experts from various regions and disciplines. Their work assesses AI’s impact on lives and societies worldwide.
Professor Ravindran currently leads the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras. He also founded the Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI) there.
Statements on Appointment
IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti expressed pride in Ravindran’s selection. “This panel will play a very important role in achieving the positive impact of AI on our world,” Kamakoti stated in a press release.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced the panel’s appointment at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. “These 40 leading experts from across regions and disciplines embody a clear message. AI must belong to everyone,” Guterres said. He urged member states and civil society to contribute to the panel’s work.
Professor Ravindran acknowledged the significance of AI. “AI is a generational technology,” he said. “It affects everybody, sometimes knowingly and often, even without their knowledge.” He noted the panel’s role in examining AI’s far-reaching implications.
Ravindran added, “I am very honoured to be representing India in this panel of experts and the voice of the Global South.”