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ATU academic named among four finalists for Women in AI Ambassador award
Dr Valerie McTaggart recognised for advancing responsible and inclusive AI through research, education and regional engagement
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) academic Dr Valerie McTaggart has been selected as one of four finalists for the AI Ireland Women in AI Ambassador of the Year Award 2026.
Dr McTaggart was shortlisted from 270 applications, with the winner due to be announced at the AI Awards Ireland ceremony in Dublin on Tuesday, 17 November.
The award recognises individuals advancing the understanding, adoption, and responsible use of artificial intelligence while championing diversity, inclusion, and positive societal impact. Finalists are assessed on their innovation, leadership, impact, influence and vision, as well as their contribution to creating a more inclusive AI ecosystem.
Dr McTaggart’s work focuses on making AI accessible and beneficial to people beyond traditional technology disciplines. Through research, education, doctoral supervision, industry engagement and community outreach, she works with students, researchers, businesses and communities to build confidence in emerging technologies and support their responsible adoption.
Her work includes the IDEAS, STRIDE, Digitalisation Boost and Innovation Boost initiatives, which seek to strengthen AI capability, digital innovation and inclusion across the west and northwest of Ireland.
Dr McTaggart said:
Being selected as one of four finalists from 270 applications is very humbling. It is especially meaningful because the nomination came from colleagues who understand the work involved in building research programmes, supporting students and researchers, developing partnerships and creating opportunities for others.
“While the nomination carries my name, it also reflects the work of many colleagues, researchers, students and community partners who share a commitment to innovation and inclusion.”
Through Digitalisation Boost and Innovation Boost, Dr McTaggart helps small and medium-sized enterprises understand and adopt AI in practical and responsible ways. The programmes support businesses in addressing real challenges while considering how the technology can be used ethically and effectively.
Her research on an AI-Assisted Thematic Approach, known as AITA, examines how people and AI can work together while maintaining human oversight, transparency and accountability. The work has led to three commissioned chapters for the forthcoming SAGE publication, SAGE Research Methods: Using AI for Research.
Dr McTaggart has also contributed at the European level as an expert evaluator for competitive funding programmes, including the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.
She is currently leading the ATU DAI Showcase, which has been selected as an approved partner event of the European Commission’s AI Innovation Month 2026. The event will bring together researchers, educators, businesses, policymakers and community stakeholders to explore the opportunities, practical applications and challenges associated with AI.
Dr McTaggart said the representation of women in AI is essential as the technology assumes a growing role in society.
“AI is increasingly shaping how we work, learn and live, so the people influencing these technologies should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
“Greater visibility for women in AI provides role models for future generations and demonstrates that there is no single pathway into the field. Ensuring diverse voices are involved is not simply a matter of representation; it is fundamental to creating fair, ethical and inclusive technologies.”
Her current research examines human-AI collaboration and how people and AI can work together effectively, ethically and productively in modern workplaces.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue strengthening AI capability at ATU and across the European Union through research, education, industry engagement and community collaboration.
“For me, AI is at its most powerful when it creates opportunities, strengthens communities and enables people to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Dr McTaggart said.
The AI Awards Ireland 2026 ceremony will take place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin on Tuesday, 17 November.
Photo caption: Dr Valerie McTaggart, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), has been named one of four finalists for the AI Ireland Women in AI Ambassador of the Year Award 2026.
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