Laurence Devillers

Laurence Devillers is a prominent researcher and professor in artificial intelligence, known for her expertise in human-machine interactions and the ethical issues associated with AI. She serves as a professor at the University of Paris-Sorbonne and is a researcher at LIMSI, a CNRS research laboratory. Her academic and professional background places her at the heart of contemporary discussions on artificial intelligence in France and beyond.

Areas of Expertise and Main Achievements

Devillers specializes in human-machine interactions, with a particular focus on emotion detection and the ethics of artificial intelligence. She has led several research projects exploring how AI can be integrated ethically and responsibly into various aspects of society. Her book, "Des Robots et des Hommes," published in 2017, explores the social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and emotional robots, highlighting the need for ethical safeguards in the development of these technologies.

Recent Contributions and Notable Projects

Laurence Devillers has recently been involved in several major initiatives and events related to artificial intelligence. For example, she participated in a series of conferences and panel discussions at the Paris-Saclay SPRING 2025 event, where she contributed to discussions on scientific advancements and the ethical challenges of AI. Devillers was also a key speaker at the European AI Week in Belgium, where she shared her expertise on the ethical use of digital technologies.

Within the National Pilot Committee for Digital Ethics (CNPEN), she co-authored opinions on the ethical issues of technologies such as facial recognition and generative AI systems. Her involvement in these projects demonstrates her active role in defining ethical standards for the development and application of AI.

Position in the Technological Ecosystem

Laurence Devillers holds a central position in the technological ecosystem, as an influential member of the National Digital Ethics Committee and participating in numerous international collaborations. She is also involved in the "AI for Tomorrow" program, which aims to promote a citizen-centered and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Her contribution to projects like Confiance.ai, focused on the security and reliability of AI systems, demonstrates her commitment to developing trustworthy AI.

Recent Developments and News

In ongoing discussions about AI, Devillers continues to emphasize the importance of an ethical and responsible approach. During the "Artificial Intelligence and Us" conference, she discussed the implications of generative AI on society, highlighting the ethical challenges these technologies pose. She also participated in debates on the potential of AI in the healthcare sector, notably at the AI for Tomorrow event, where she discussed the opportunities and limitations of AI in medicine.

Laurence Devillers remains an influential voice in the public debate on artificial intelligence, advocating for a balance between technological innovation and respect for fundamental human values. Her work continues to inspire and guide discussions on the future of AI and its integration into our society.

Spécialiste des interactions homme-machine, Laurence Devillers est titulaire d'un doctorat en Sciences, Spécialité Informatique sur la "Reconnaissance de parole continue avec un système hybride neuronal et Markovien" ainsi que d'une Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches en Informatique de l’Université Paris XI-Orsay portant sur "Les émotions dans les interactions Homme-Machine : perception, détection et génération". Laurence Devillers est professeure à l'Université Paris-Sorbonne et chercheuse au Laboratoire d'informatique pour la mécanique et les sciences de l'ingénieur (Limsi) du CNRS. Elle y anime l'équipe de recherche Dimensions affectives sociales dans les interactions parlées. Elle est également membre de la Commission de réflexion sur l’éthique de la recherche en sciences et technologies du numérique (Cerna) de l’alliance Allistene et a participé au rapport sur l’Éthique du chercheur en robotique ainsi qu'à plusieurs projets nationaux (ANR Tecsan Armen, FUI Romeo, BPI Romeo2) et européens (Rex Humaine, Chist-era Joker).