Virginia Dignum receives 2026 Nordic DAIR Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in AI
On May 7, 2026, Virginia Dignum, Director of the AI Policy Lab and Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at Umeå University, has been named the 2026 Nordic DAIR Awards Lifetime Achievement winner in AI!
The DAIR Awards, Data and AI Readiness Awards, recognize achievements in data, analytics and AI across the Nordic region. In 2026, the awards are integrated into the Data Innovation Summit in Stockholm, bringing recognized work in AI and data directly into one of the region’s major meeting places for practitioners, leaders and innovators.
This year’s awards focus on maturity and real-world impact in AI and data.
Against this backdrop, Virginia’s recognition highlights her long-standing contribution to responsible AI, AI ethics and AI policy. Her work has helped shape international discussions on how AI can be developed and governed in ways that place human values, accountability and societal benefit at the center.
In its award citation, DAIR writes:
“There are few individuals whose work has shaped the ethical and technical landscape of AI as profoundly as Virginia Dignum. As a world-renowned researcher and a leading voice in Responsible AI, Virginia has spent her career ensuring that as we build more powerful systems, we do so with human values at the center.”
At the AI Policy Lab, we are proud to see Virginia’s work recognized in this way. Her leadership continues to inspire researchers, policymakers, students and partners working toward responsible and trustworthy AI.
Warm congratulations, Virginia!
About DAIR
The DAIR Awards (Data and AI Readiness Awards) recognize organizations that lead the way in using data, analytics, and AI to drive measurable business and societal impact. Focused on organization achievements, the awards highlight companies that demonstrate strategic vision, innovation, mpact and maturity in their data, analytics and AI practices. Through the recognition of real-world success stories, the DAIR Awards aim to accelerate the adoption of data-driven technologies, inspire others to follow best practices, and benchmark progress across the Nordic region’s most advanced organizations.