Oxfordshire

Dr Jason R C Nurse (MBCS, FHEA)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers powerful new ways to work and solve problems, but it also creates opportunities for misuse and raises difficult questions about its effects on people. From cybercriminals using AI to strengthen their attacks to reports of agents escaping their sandboxes and targeting real organisations and governments, the risks are becoming harder to ignore. The talk also considers how models can mirror users and reinforce what they want to hear, rather than offer an honest response. Together, these issues reveal why AI’s promise and danger deserve a closer look, and why the subject keeps me awake at night.

Bio:

Dr Jason R.C. Nurse is a Reader in Cybersecurity at the University of Kent, UK. He also holds the roles of Associate Fellow at The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Visiting Fellow in Defence and Security at Cranfield University, and Research Member of Wolfson College, University of Oxford. His research specialises in the human aspect of cybersecurity and AI including human cyber risk, cyber psychology and AI-enabled threats. Dr Nurse has published close to 200 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious security venues, and his research has been featured in national and international media including the BBC, Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Wired, The Telegraph, and The Independent. Prior to joining Kent, Dr Nurse was a Senior Researcher in Cyber Security at the University of Oxford and before that, a Research Fellow in Psychology at the University of Warwick.

BCS Oxfordshire hosted its Summer Social and Networking Event on Wednesday 10 June at Rewley House, Oxford. It was a relaxed and friendly evening, bringing together BCS members, local IT professionals, committee members and guests from the wider Oxfordshire technology community.

Around 20 to 25 people attended, creating a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of opportunity for informal conversation and networking. The evening was a chance to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces and share more about the branch’s plans for the year ahead.

One of the highlights was hearing about Getting Oxfordshire Online, a local initiative supporting digital inclusion across the county. It was a great reminder of the positive role technology can play in helping people connect, access opportunities and take part in the digital world.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such an enjoyable one. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces at future BCS Oxfordshire events.