Since graduating from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, Laura has been working for Oxford Insights, a consultancy that advises governments on their artificial intelligence policy. This unusual segue into digital policy has led Laura to believe that these two fields are fundamentally united by the human desire to create. She sees technology as a human endeavour towards coherent communication, just like poetry, and is particularly interested in how these creative spheres will interact in the future. Laura spends her spare time coding, running, wild swimming and playing the harp.

If you could change one thing about the world through your work, what would it be?

I’d make sure that digital technology and the power to use it is spread through society in a democratic way. This technological revolution has the potential to challenge so many boundaries in class and gender if made accessible to the most vulnerable in society. Anyone can code, and more than ever that knowledge can empower.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional today about real life stories. It was very, very powerful. Just get out there and talk to people. Get out of your comfort zone. Be more generous.”

– TEDxLondonSalon attendee