Geertrui De Ketelaere

Geertrui Mieke De Ketelaere is a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence, currently serving as the Director of Artificial Intelligence at imec (IDLab). She has a robust academic background, holding a master's degree in civil and industrial engineering, with specializations in robotics and artificial intelligence. Her educational journey includes a PhD focused on developing AI systems for medical applications, specifically in supporting labor induction.12

Professional Experience

Mieke has over 25 years of experience in AI, having held leadership roles in both European and American corporations, including notable companies like Microsoft, IBM, SAP, and SAS. Her role at imec involves defining the strategy and offerings related to AI, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and ethical applications of technology. She is also responsible for fostering collaborations among industrial players, non-profit organizations, and government entities to enhance AI adoption across various sectors.12

Contributions and Recognition

Mieke is recognized as an AI ethical evangelist, advocating for the responsible use of AI technologies. In 2018, she was nominated as the ICT Woman of the Year in Belgium. Additionally, she was appointed as one of the 25 AI experts by the Belgian Federal Government in 2019. In 2020, she was named one of the 50 most inspiring women in Belgian tech by Inspiring Fifty Belgium.12

Teaching and Publications

In addition to her directorial role, Mieke contributes to academia by teaching courses on sustainable and trustworthy AI at Vlerick Business School. She has authored works aimed at bridging the gap between human understanding and AI technologies, such as her book Wanted: Human AI Translators.2

Mieke De Ketelaere's extensive experience and commitment to ethical AI make her a significant leader in the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence technologies.