Making our Future FAIRer: Data Stewardship, Digital Tools & Ethical AI in Academia

Presentation by Dr Samantha Pearman-Kanza on "Making our Future FAIRer: Data Stewardship, Digital Tools & Ethical AI in Academia" for SCI Event: The Art of the Possible: Data, Digitalisation & AI in Practice. Abstract: This talk explores the importance of creating truly re-useable FAIR data principles through effective stewardship and practical digital solutions. Highlighting national initiatives such as CaSDaR and PSDI, the talk outlines emerging support structures for responsible, data-driven research. A case study from the University of Southampton illustrates lessons learned from implementing an Electronic Laboratory Notebook in the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering. The final aspect of the talk discusses ethical AI in academia, emphasising transparency, reproducibility, and the responsible adoption of new technologies to build a trustworthy, AI-ready research ecosystem.