The AICC brought together leaders from government, industry and academia for the inaugural AI Castle Conversation, to shape a bold, unified vision for AI in Northern Ireland.
On 24th March 2025, the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) hosted the inaugural AI Castle Conversation at Hillsborough Castle, convening over 70 leaders from government, industry, and academia to shape a unified vision for AI in Northern Ireland.
Keynote speakers included Jayne Brady MBE (Head of the NI Civil Service), Ian Snowden (DfE NI Permanent Secretary), Professor Paul Bartholomew (Ulster University VC), and Professor Helen McCarthy (Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser), with focused sessions on AI ethics, governance, infrastructure, skills, and public sector transformation.
Expert contributions came from AICC’s Donnacha Kirk, Tadhg Hickey, and Professor Michaela Black, alongside Professor Jonathan Wallace and Brian Cleland, who facilitated meaningful, high-impact discussions.
A standout moment was the evening fireside chat between Jim Fitzpatrick (Irish News) and Thom Kenney (Harvard Kennedy School), which offered valuable international insights.
A 60-page live-generated report was shared with attendees before departure and immediately used by Professor McCarthy to inform subsequent discussions around the launch of the AI Unit within the Office for Digital.
As the first in a six-part Deep Dialogue series at Hillsborough Castle, the event was a resounding success. It significantly enhanced AICC’s visibility and credibility among senior public sector leaders, firmly positioning the Centre as a trusted authority on AI strategy and implementation.
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