18.9. The Hidden Curators of AI: How Brokers Shape Technology

Experts on AI and society explore the critical role of interdisciplinary brokers who make technology more responsive to human values.

Time: September 18, 2025, 17.00-19.00 (EEST)

Place: Think Corner (Yliopistonkatu 4) and online 

This event uncovers the critical role of brokers in AI and sociotechnical systems. Brokers connect data scientists, engineers, ethics, legal counsel, and business leaders to push for the integration of human values into technological development.

Brokers don’t just coordinate—they translate insights across fields, shaping how technology evolves to serve society. By bridging technical expertise with ethical and social considerations, brokers make technology more intentional and responsive.

Join us to hear from leading experts who will share approaches to effective brokering and technology development. Learn how vital this work is to future technology that is guided by insight, responsibility, and purpose.

Speakers

Eetu Mäkelä (Professor in Digital Humanities, University of Helsinki; Technological Director, DARIAH-FI)

Sarah Pink (Professor and Director of the Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University)

Minna Ruckenstein (Professor of Emerging Technologies in Society, University of Helsinki)

Panel discussion

Moderator: Joonas Aitonurmi (Senior Specialist, Digital and Population Data Services Agency)

Panelists: Juuli Hilska (Senior Strategist, Noren), Antti Rannisto (Insight Lead, Solita) and Eeva Raita (VP, Commercial & Consumer, Futurice) 

Organizers

The event is organized by the BROKERS project, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Arts of the University of Helsinki. The event is a side event of EPIC 2025 conference that will be organized in Helsinki September 16–19.