About the Centre

The International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR) is a dedicated initiative of the Interscience Institute of Management & Technology (IIMT), Bhubaneswar, established to address the growing global need for ethical oversight, regulatory frameworks, and human-centric governance in Artificial Intelligence. As AI systems increasingly influence decision-making across societies, economies, and governments, ICAIR seeks to position itself as a global platform for advancing responsible AI aligned with human rights principles.

The Centre focuses on bridging the gap between technological advancement and normative frameworks by initiating interdisciplinary research, policy dialogue, and institutional collaboration. ICAIR aims to develop frameworks that ensure AI systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and inclusive, while safeguarding fundamental rights such as privacy, dignity, equality, and freedom from bias. Operating at the intersection of technology, law, public policy, ethics, and social sciences, ICAIR brings together scholars, policymakers, legal experts, technologists, and civil society organizations. The Centre will engage in critical areas such as AI regulation, algorithmic accountability, digital rights, data governance, AI ethics, and global policy harmonization.

ICAIR aspires to contribute to national and international discourse on AI governance by supporting evidence-based policymaking, developing standards and guidelines, and facilitating dialogues among stakeholders. It will also serve as a think tank and advisory body, supporting governments, institutions, and organizations in designing and implementing responsible AI systems. By leveraging the academic and research ecosystem of IIMT Bhubaneswar, ICAIR is positioned to play a significant role in shaping ethical AI adoption and governance practices that promote social justice, democratic values, and sustainable development.

Vision of the Centre

The International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR) envisions:

1. Becoming a globally recognized Centre of Excellence in AI governance, ethics, and human rights.
2. Promoting AI systems that uphold fairness, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.
3. Advancing the protection of human rights in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
4. Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration across law, technology, governance, and social sciences.
5. Contributing to the development of global standards, policies, and regulatory frameworks for AI.
6. Strengthening democratic values and institutional trust through responsible AI deployment.
7. Enabling equitable and sustainable digital transformation through ethical AI practices.

Mission of the Centre

The mission of ICAIR is to advance responsible AI governance through research, policy engagement, capacity building, and global collaboration. The Centre is committed to:

1. Conducting interdisciplinary research on AI ethics, governance, and human rights implications.
2. Developing policy frameworks and regulatory models for responsible AI adoption.
3. Building partnerships with international organizations, governments, academia, and industry.
4. Promoting awareness and education on digital rights, algorithmic accountability, and ethical AI.
5. Organizing conferences, policy dialogues, workshops, and training programs on AI governance.
6. Supporting capacity building for policymakers, legal professionals, and technologists.
7. Publishing research, policy briefs, and reports to influence global AI governance discourse.

Core Focus Areas

1. AI Ethics and Responsible Innovation
2. Algorithmic Accountability and Transparency
3. Data Protection, Privacy, and Digital Rights
4. AI Regulation and Public Policy
5. Bias, Fairness, and Inclusion in AI Systems
6. AI and Human Rights Law
7. Global Governance and International AI Standards
8. AI in Public Sector and Democratic Institutions

Key Activities

1. Policy research and white paper development
2. Advisory support to government and institutions
3. International collaborations and research partnerships
4. Capacity-building programs and executive education
5. Conferences, roundtables, and global forums
6. Publication of journals, reports, and policy briefs

Academic Programs Supporting the International Centre for AI Research (ICAIR)

The International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR) will work in close synergy with the academic ecosystem of IIMT Bhubaneswar, particularly programs in Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights Law, Cybersecurity and Management.

Students and researchers will be actively engaged in governance-oriented AI projects, including ethical audits, policy simulations, legal analysis, and interdisciplinary research. ICAIR will provide a platform for integrating technical expertise with regulatory and societal perspectives, enabling learners to understand not only how AI systems are built, but how they should be governed.

The Centre will also support:

1. Research fellowships in AI governance and digital rights
2. Student participation in policy labs and governance simulations
3. Collaborative projects with international institutions
4. Exposure to global regulatory frameworks and best practices

Through this integrated model, ICAIR will contribute to building a new generation of professionals equipped to design, regulate, and implement AI systems responsibly.

Academic Synergy with ICAIR

These programs not only cultivate a new generation of AI practitioners, policymakers, and researchers but also directly support the mission of the International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR) by ensuring a continuous pipeline of trained professionals equipped with both technical expertise and an understanding of ethical, legal, and societal implications of Artificial Intelligence. The integration of academic learning with governance-oriented research creates an environment where education is closely aligned with responsible innovation and policy relevance. Students are encouraged to participate in national and international conferences, policy forums, legal-tech workshops, and interdisciplinary engagements organized under ICAIR’s platform.

Moreover, ICAIR provides mentoring, policy lab support, and real-time exposure to collaborative projects, enabling students to work on contemporary challenges related to AI regulation, digital rights, data governance, algorithmic accountability, and ethical AI deployment. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as AI ethics audits, regulatory impact assessments, governance frameworks, and public policy design.

Through ICAIR’s global outreach initiatives and institutional partnerships, students of IIMT Bhubaneswar will have opportunities to collaborate with international experts, legal scholars, policymakers, and research institutions. This exposure enables them to engage with global governance frameworks, comparative regulatory systems, and cross-cultural perspectives on AI and human rights.

This integrated ecosystem of structured academic programs and governance-driven research engagement positions IIMT Bhubaneswar as an institution committed not only to advancing AI innovation but also to shaping its responsible, inclusive, and rights-based adoption in India and beyond.

Mentors associated with ICAIR

International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR)

Dr. Srikanta Patnaik,
Chief Mentor
Professor (AI&ML) IIMT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Adjunct Professor, UNESCO Chair on “Economic Systems and Human Rights”, National University of La Plata.

Dr. Srikanta Patnaik is a Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at IIMT. He has completed his MBA from Sambalpur University in the year 1991 and received his Ph. D. (Engineering) on Computational Intelligence from Jadavpur University, India in 1999. Prof. Patnaik supervised 25 Ph. D. Theses and more than 60 Master theses in the area of Computational Intelligence, Soft Computing Applications and Re-Engineering. Dr. Patnaik has published around 100 research papers in international journals and conference proceedings. He is author of 3 text books and more than 100 edited volumes and few invited book chapters, published by leading international publisher like Springer-Verlag, Kluwer Academic, etc. Dr. Patnaik is the Editors-in-Chief of International Journal of Information and Communication Technology and International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics published from Inderscience Publishing House, England and also Editors-in-chief of Book Series on “Modeling and Optimization in Science and Technology” published from Springer, Germany, Book Series on Advances in Computer and Electrical Engineering (ACEE) and Book Series on Advances in Medical Technologiesand Clinical Practices (AMTCP), published from IGI-Global, USA. He is Editor of Journal of Information and Communication Convegence Engineering, published by Korean Institute of Information and Communication Convegence Engineering. He is a also Associate Editor of International Journal of Granular Computing, Rough Sets and Intelligent Systems (IJGCRSIS) and International Journal of Telemedicine and Clinical Practices, published from Inderscience Publishing House, England.

Prof. (Dr.) Francesco Vigliarolo
Professor of Regional Economy at the Catholic University of La Plata UNESCO Chair in "Economic Systems and Human Rights" at the National University of La Plata
Associate Researcher at the CESOT (Center for the Study of Sociology of Work), University of Buenos Aires.

Dr. Francesco did his Ph.D in Social Sciences, specializing in economic sociology, ethical finance, and social economics. He is a full-time Professor of Regional Economy at the Catholic University of La Plata. Additionally, he also serve as the Director of the UNESCO Chair in "Economic Systems and Human Rights" at the National University of La Plata. He is also an Associate Researcher at the CESOT (Center for the Study of Sociology of Work) at the University of Buenos Aires. His primary focus lies in local development processes, particularly the construction of territorial identities that involve asserting rights (ontological reason) through associative forms of production and ethical finance tools. Throughout his career, he had published numerous books and scientific articles delving into concepts such as "Ethical social capital,""Economic socialization and democratization," "The principles of economic phenomenology," "Ontological reason of economy and demand for rights of economy," and "Meso-economic approach."

Prof. (Dr.) Lakhmi C. Jain,
Ph,D, ME, BE(Hons), Fellow (Engineers Aust), Founder, KES International United Kingdom

Professor Lakhmi C. Jain, PhD, Dr H.C., ME, BE(Hons), Fellow (Engineers Australia), is with the Liverpool Hope University and the University of Arad. He was formerly with the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Canberra and Bournemouth University.Professor Jain founded the KES International for providing a professional community the opportunities for publications, knowledge exchange, cooperation and teaming. Involving around 5,000 researchers drawn from universities and companies world-wide, KES facilitates international cooperation and generate synergy in teaching and research. KES regularly provides networking opportunities for professional community through one of the largest conferences of its kind in the area of KES.

Dr. Vasile Palade,
Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Coventry University, UK

Vasile Palade is Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in the Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling at Coventry University, UK. He joined Coventry University as a Reader in Pervasive Computing in 2013, after several previous academic and research positions at the University of Oxford, UK, University of Hull, UK, and the University of Galati, Romania. He is the Theme Lead for the "Machine Learning for Computer Vision" theme in the Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling. His research interests are in the area of machine learning/computational intelligence, with a focus on neural networks and deep learning, neuro-fuzzy systems, various nature inspired algorithms, such as swarm optimization algorithms. Application areas include computer vision, autonomous driving, social network data analysis and web mining, smart cities, natural language processing, fault diagnosis, Bioinformatics and health related problems, among others. Vasile Palade is author and co-author of more than 250 papers in journals and conference proceedings as well as books on machine learning and applications. He has also co-edited several books including conference proceedings. He is currently an Associate Editor for several journals, such as IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, Neural Networks, Knowledge and Information Systems, International Journal on Artificial Intelligence Tools, International Journal of Hybrid Intelligent Systems. Vasile Palade is an IEEE Senior Member and a member of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society.

Professor Andrew W. H. Ip,
Senior Research Fellow, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan

Prof. Andrew W. H. Ip received his PhD from Loughborough University (U.K.), MBA from Brunel University (U.K.), MSc in Industrial Engineering from Cranfield University (U.K.), and LLB (Hons) from the University of Wolverhampton (U.K.). Dr Ip was awarded in 2015 "Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury" and "Thailand Award for Best International Invention" in the 43rd International Exhibition of Geneva, and he was awarded the "Natural Science Award" in 2013 Ministry of Education Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards by the Ministry of Education of Mainland China. Dr. Ip is distinguished and visiting professor of various China mainland universities, and Honorary Industrial Fellow of the University of Warwick, Warwick Manufacturing Group. He is Professor Emeritus and adjunct professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan and senior research fellow of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is a chartered engineer, senior member of IEEE and member of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, and members of various professional bodies in mechanical and electrical engineering. He is Editor in Chief of the journal of Enterprise Information System (SCI index Q1), Taylor & Francis; Founder & Editor in Chief of International Journal of Engineering Business Management (ESCI & SCOPUS index WoS Q1), SAGE; International journal of Software Science and Computational Intelligence, IGI Global.

Dr. Marco Valeri,,
Faculty of Economics, Niccolò Cusano University

Marco Valeri received is Ph.D in Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior from "Tor Vergata" University (Italy). He is a Senior Lecturer in Organizational Behavior (Master Degree and Doctoral Course), Faculty of Economics, Niccolò Cusano University, Rome (Italy). He’s teaching and consultancy areas include strategic management, leadership development, hotel/lodging management, cross-cultural management, international hospitality management. His research areas include competitive advantage, sustainability and green practices, strategy implementation, knowledge management, hotel/lodging management, crisis management, destination marketing, information technology and developing countries, network analysis. He chaired/co-chaired and served on numerous PhD dissertation and master thesis committees. He was a visiting professor in several Universities: University of Eichastaett – Ingolstadt (Germany), Universitè Jean Moulin, School of Management – Lyon, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Faculty of Economics – Lebanon, University of Pannonia, Faculty of Business and Economics – Hungary, University of West Attica, Faculty of Business and Economics – Greece, TBS Business School, Faculty of Business and Economics – Toulouse. He is member of several editorial board of international tourism journals and co-editor of several handbooks on entrepreneurship and tourism and hospitality management (Emerald Publishing). He is Research Notes Editor of Journal of Tourism, Heritage & Services Marketing (ISSN is: 2529-1947). Project experience: “Sustainable, intelligent and inclusive regional and city models” (project nr. EFOP-3.6.2-16-2017-00017) - the consortia of University of Pannonia, Veszprém, HU, University of Pécs, Pécs, HU, Corvinus University of Budapest, Székesfehérvár, HU.

Professor Rajkumar Buyya
Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and Director of The Cloud Computing And Distributed Systems (Clouds) Laboratory, University Of Melbourne, Australia.

Dr. Rajkumar Buyya is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and Director of the Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems (CLOUDS) Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is also serving as the founding CEO of Manjrasoft, a spin-off company of the University, commercializing its innovations in Cloud Computing. He served as a Future Fellow of the Australian Research Council during 2012-2016. He has authored over 625 publications and seven text books including "Mastering Cloud Computing" published by McGraw Hill, China Machine Press, and Morgan Kaufmann for Indian, Chinese and international markets respectively. He also edited several books including "Cloud Computing: Principles and Paradigms" (Wiley Press, USA, Feb 2011). He is one of the highly cited authors in computer science and software engineering worldwide (h-index=176, g-index=385, 166,500+ citations). Microsoft Academic Search Index ranked Dr. Buyya as #1 author in the world (2005-2016) for both field rating and citations evaluations in the area of Distributed and Parallel Computing. "A Scientometric Analysis of Cloud Computing Literature" by German scientists ranked Dr. Buyya as the World's Top-Cited (#1) Author and the World's Most-Productive (#1) Author in Cloud Computing. Dr. Buyya is recognized as a "Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher" by Thomson Reuters, a Fellow of IEEE, Scopus Researcher of the Year 2017 with Excellence in Innovative Research Award by Elsevier, a Fellow of Academia Europea, Lifetime Achiever and Superstar of Australia Research (2021) by The Australian Research Review, and Cloud Architect of the Year 2022 by Oracle for his outstanding contributions to Cloud computing. Software technologies for Grid and Cloud computing developed under Dr. Buyya's leadership have gained rapid acceptance and are in use at several academic institutions and commercial enterprises in 50+ countries around the world. Dr. Buyya has led the establishment and development of key community activities,including serving as foundation Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Scalable Computing and five IEEE/ACM conferences. These contributions and international research leadership of Dr. Buyya are recognized through the award of "2009 IEEE Medal for Excellence in Scalable Computing" from the IEEE Computer Society TCSC. Manjrasoft's Aneka Cloud technology developed under his leadership has received "2010 Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award". Recently, Dr. Buyya received "Mahatma Gandhi Award" along with Gold Medals for his outstanding and extraordinary achievements in Information Technology field and services rendered to promote greater friendship and India-International cooperation. He served as the founding Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing. He is currently serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Software: Practice and Experience, which was established over 45 years ago. For further information on Dr.Buyya, please visit his cyberhome: www.buyya.comResearch Expertise:- Cloud Computing- Distributed Computing- Distributed Systems- Software Systems- Service-Oriented Computing- Computer Science- Software Engineering- Internet of Things- Supercomputing- High Performance Computing- Internet Computing- Data Centres- Operating Systems- Resource Management and Scheduling- Quality of Services- Computational Economy- Utility Computing- Networked Computing- Energy Efficient Computing- Green Computing- Quantum Computing

Prof. Dr. Kazumi Nakamatsu
University of Hyogo, Kobe, Japan

Prof. Dr. Kazumi Nakamatsureceived the Ms. Eng. and Dr. Sci. from Shizuoka University and Kyushu University, Japan, respectively. He is a full Professor at School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Japan. His research interests encompass intelligent systems and their applications. He has developed some paraconsistent annotated logic programs called ALPSN(Annotated Logic Program with Strong Negation), VALPSN(Vector ALPSN), EVALPSN(Extended VALPSN) and bf-EVALPSN (before-after EVALPSN) recently, and applied them to various intelligent systems such as a safety verification-based railway interlocking control system and process order control. He is an author of over 150 papers and 20 book chapters, and 10 edited books published by prominent publishers. Kazumi Nakamatsu has chaired various international conferences, workshops and invited sessions, and he has been a member of numerous international program committees of workshops and conferences. He serves as Founding Editor of the International Journal of Reasoning-based Intelligent Systems and editorial board member of many international journals. He has contributed numerous invited lectures at international workshops, conferences, and academic organizations. He also is a recipient of many conference paper awards.

Prof. Florin Popenţiu Vlădicescu
University “Politehnica” in Bucharest, Romanian

Professor Florin Popentiue Vlădicescu, was born on 17 September 1950, graduated in Electronicsand Telecommunications from University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest in 1974, holds a PhD in Reliability since 1981. He has been appointed Director of the “UNESCO Chair in Information Technologies Department” at University of Oradea. Also, he is Professor to University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Faculty of Automatic Control and Computer Science. Professor Florin Popentiue Vlădicescu is the founder of the first “UNESCO Chair of Information Engineering” , in UK, established at City University London, in 1998. He published over 150 papers in international journals and conference proceedings. Also he is author of one book co-author of 4 books. He has worked for many years on problems associated with software reliability and has been Co-Director of two NATO Research Projects. Also he is on the advisory board of several international journals, including “Reliability and Risk Analysis: Theory & Applications” and is a reviewer to “ACM Computing Reviews. He is currently Associated Editorto the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology (IJICT) – Inderscience Publishers. He is an independent expert to the European Commission - H2020 programme, for Net Services – Software and Services, Cloud. Professor Florin Popentiue Vlădicescu is currently Visiting Professor to:

1. Telecom Paris, ENST
2. Ecole Nationale Superieure des Mines Paris, ENSMP
3. Ecole Nationale Superieure de Techniques Avancees, ENSTA
4. ETH - Zurich
5. Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, UPMC
6. Delft University of Technology
7. University of Twente Enschede
8. Technical University of Denmark Lyngby
9. Sultan Qaboos University
10. University of Calcutta

He was elected Fellow of the Academy of Romanian Scientists in 2008.

Prof. (Dr.) Peplluis de la Rosa Esteva
Full Professor and Executive Dean in the School of Technology at Woxsen University

Dr. Peplluis de la Rosa Esteva is a Full Professor and Executive Dean in the School of Technology at Woxsen University, originally from Mallorca, Spain (EU). With over 35 years of academic experience, his research expertise spans Blockchain, Agentic AI, and Cryptocurrencies, with a strong focus on bridging the AI adoption gap across organizations.

His areas of specialization include Decentralized Finances and Quantum-inspired Blockchain, Dr. Esteva has published over 200 papers in top-tier international journals, with h-index = 40, and has supervised more than 20 Ph.D. across three continents (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Switzerland, France, Spain, and India). Beyond academia, he has played a pivotal role in the tech industry, serving as CEO for multiple technological companies and collaborating with global academic and industry leaders.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of scholars, Dr. Esteva actively supports entrepreneurship driven by technological R&D. He fosters lead-by-example industry driven research in class project-based learning.

Prof. Pedro Soto-Acosta
Full Professor of Management at the University of Murcia

Pedro Soto-Acosta is a Full Professor of Management at the University of Murcia, where he holds a PhD in Business Economics (recipient of the Extraordinary Doctoral Award) and a Master’s in Technology Management. He also completed Postgraduate Courses in Management at Harvard University and holds dual Bachelor’s degrees, a BA (Hons) in Business Administration and Management from the University of Murcia and a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University. Professor Soto-Acosta is the Editor-in-Chief of Benchmarking: An International Journal, a Q1-ranked journal in the Management category of the Web of Science Impact Factor, and also Q1-ranked in the SJR categories of Strategy and Management and Business and International Management. In addition, he serves as an Associate Editor, Senior Editor and Editorial Board Member for several other mainstream journals, including Computational Economics, Electronic Markets, Journal of Knowledge Management, Information Systems Management, and Technological and Economic Development of Economy. With approximately 100 Impact Factor Papers to his name, he is widely recognized for his contributions to the fields of business economics, business management, and IT/IS management. Since its inception in 2020, he has been included annually in Stanford University's list of the world’s most influential researchers, featuring two lists: one based on annual research output and the other on his entire scientific career. In 2020, he was also named one of the top 50 researchers in the Region of Murcia, according to the Spanish Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). His scholarly impact is further underscored by his h-index of 59 and i-10 index of 113. Pedro has held visiting professorships at several universities across Europe, Asia, and America and has received numerous distinctions for his research, including the ABG Award to Research and Business Spirit, the Best Research Paper Award at ISoneWorld 2007 (Las Vegas, USA), and the Best Conference Paper Award at BITMED 2009 (Beijing, China).

Prof. Jair Minoro Abe
Full Professor, Graduate Program in Production Engineering, ICET, Paulista University

Prof. Jair Minoro Abe received B.A. and MSc in Pure Mathematics - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Also received the Doctor degree and Livre-Docente title from the same University. He is currently coordinator of Logic Area of Institute of Advanced Studies - University of Sao Paulo Brazil and Full Professor at Paulista University - Brazil. His research interest topics include Paraconsistent Annotated Logics and AI, ANN in Biomedicine and Automation, among others. He is Senior Member of IEEE. Professor Abe is a studious of a family of Paraconsistent Annotated Logic which is used to solve many complex problems in engineering. He has authored/edited books on Paraconsistent and related logic published by Springer Germany and other reputed publishers. He is the recipient of many awards including medals for his academic performance and also received many best articles awards. Professor Abe was the Editor-in-Chief of Publicações da Sociedade Paranaense de Matemática de 1990 - 1994. Presently, Professor Abe serves as Associate Editor and member of the Editorial Board of some journals related to the intelligent systems and applications. Professor Abe has supervised a number of PhD candidates successfully and presented a number of keynote addresses. He has authored/co-authored around 300+ publications including books, research articles, research reports, etc. Professor Abe’s research interests include System design using conventional and Artificial Intelligence techniques, Paraconsistent Annotated Logic, Human factors in Aviation, Intelligent Decision Making, Teaching & Learning practices, and Cognitive Studies.

Prof. Kayhan Tajeddini
Professor of Strategic Management and International Business Sheffield Business School, Service Sector Management, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield S11 WB, UK.
Institute for International Strategy, Tokyo International University, Japan

Dr. Kayhan Tajeddini is a highly distinguished academic and seasoned professional with extensive expertise in strategic management, international business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He currently serves as a Full Professor of Strategic Management at Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom, and also holds faculty appointments at Tokyo International University, Japan, along with associations with other prestigious institutions worldwide. Born on December 3, 1966, Dr. Tajeddini holds dual Persian and Swiss citizenship, reflecting his strong international orientation and cross-cultural professional experience. Dr. Tajeddini earned his Ph.D. in Management from the University of Bradford, UK, where his doctoral research focused on innovativeness in the Swiss watch industry. He also holds a Master’s degree in Management from Mazandaran University, Iran, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from the University of Tehran. His academic career spans several countries, including Sweden, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, where he has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership in the fields of innovation management, service marketing, strategic entrepreneurship, and international business. An accomplished researcher and mentor, Dr. Tajeddini has supervised numerous doctoral candidates and actively contributes to the global academic community. He serves on the editorial boards of leading international journals, including the International Journal of Hospitality Management and the Middle East Journal of Management. His scholarly work has been widely recognized, earning him multiple accolades such as the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Author Contributions. Dr. Tajeddini’s research interests encompass innovation in service industries, entrepreneurial orientation, cross-cultural and international management, and strategic innovation. He has published extensively in high-impact, internationally reputed journals and has successfully secured substantial research funding from international organizations and competitive grant bodies. His research influence is further evidenced by his inclusion among the world’s Top 2% most-cited scientists in the Stanford/Elsevier ranking from 2020 onwards. A multilingual scholar and experienced educator, Dr. Tajeddini has taught and mentored students from more than 85 nationalities. He has designed and delivered advanced courses in global marketing, strategic management, innovation, and quantitative research methods. Beyond academia, he brings a rich professional background, having held executive and advisory roles and actively contributed to cross-border strategic initiatives and international collaborations. Dr. Kayhan Tajeddini’s career is marked by a sustained commitment to advancing global management practices, fostering innovation, and bridging academic research with real-world strategic challenges, positioning him as a leading figure in contemporary management scholarship.

Professor TC Gamage
Professor, Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Thilini C. Gamage is a Professor in Marketing in the Department of Marketing Management at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. In 2009, she earned a BSc. (Hons) in Management and Information Technology from the University of Kelaniya, graduating with first-class honours. That same year, she also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, which laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. In 2016, she received her PhD in Marketing from the University of Colombo. Prof. Gamage joined the Department of Marketing Management at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka in 2010 and currently teaches both undergraduate and graduate students in the Faculty of Management Studies and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Additionally, she serves as a visiting faculty member at various local and internationally affiliated universities. Her research interests are Digital Marketing, Technology Management, Tourism and Hospitality Marketing, Strategic Management, and Entrepreneurship. She has published articles in top-tier management and marketing journals, including Tourism Management (A*), Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services (A), Journal of Business Research (A), Journal of Product & Brand Management (A), Journal of Strategic Marketing (A), and International Journal of Hospitality Management (A*), among other outlets. She has also actively presented papers at international conferences and symposia globally and has been awarded several times for her outstanding research performance. Moreover, Prof. Gamage has won a few local and international research grants, including Special COVID-19 Project Grants with China, Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN Region by Leading House Asia, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and Postgraduate Research Grant by the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka (2014 – 2016). She is currently the Managing Editor of the Asian Journal of Management Studies, published by the Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. She is also a Guest Editor/ Associate Editor for leading management journals, including Service Industries Journal, Annals of Leisure Research, Middle East Journal of Management, Iranian Journal of Management, and many more. She also serves on the editorial board and review panel of numerous journals and international conferences. Prof. Gamage has also been serving as the Director of the Staff Development Center of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka since December 2024.

Research to be Undertaken

The International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR) will undertake interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and academic initiatives focused on responsible Artificial Intelligence, ethical governance, and the protection of human rights in the digital era. The Centre will serve as a platform for generating evidence-based knowledge, promoting international collaboration, and advancing policy-relevant scholarship in emerging AI governance domains.

Core Research Themes

ICAIR will undertake research in the following areas:

1. AI Ethics and Responsible Innovation
   Research on ethical design, deployment, and governance of AI systems, focusing on fairness, transparency, accountability, explainability, and responsible innovation practices.
2. Algorithmic Accountability and Bias Mitigation
   Studies examining algorithmic discrimination, fairness assessment, bias detection, audit mechanisms, and governance frameworks to ensure equitable AI systems.
3. AI Governance, Regulation, and Public Policy
   Research focused on national and international AI governance frameworks, regulatory models, legal compliance mechanisms, and comparative analysis of AI policy ecosystems.
4. Human Rights and AI
   Examination of AI’s implications for privacy, dignity, freedom of expression, equality, access to justice, and digital rights, with emphasis on rights-based governance frameworks.
5. Data Governance, Privacy, and Cybersecurity
   Research on ethical data governance, privacy protection, data sovereignty, cybersecurity policy, and responsible data management in AI ecosystems.
6. AI in Public Institutions and Governance
   Studies on the use of AI in public administration, judiciary, law enforcement, healthcare governance, education systems, and democratic institutions.
7. AI and Sectoral Transformation
   Interdisciplinary research exploring responsible AI adoption in healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, and smart governance.
8. Global AI Standards and International Cooperation
   Comparative studies on global AI regulatory frameworks, multilateral governance initiatives, digital diplomacy, and international standard-setting mechanisms.

Conferences, Seminars, and Academic Events

ICAIR will organize and support a range of academic and professional events to foster dialogue, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration:

1. International conferences on AI governance, ethics, and human rights
2. National and international seminars on digital rights, AI regulation, and responsible innovation
3. Expert roundtable discussions with policymakers, legal scholars, industry leaders, and researchers
4. Workshops on algorithmic auditing, AI ethics assessment, and governance frameworks
5. Executive development programmes for regulators, administrators, and professionals
6. Student research symposiums, innovation forums, and policy hackathons
7. Distinguished lecture series featuring global experts in AI governance and public policy
8. Collaborative academic events with universities, think tanks, and international organizations

Research Projects and Collaborative Initiatives

ICAIR will undertake independent and collaborative research projects in partnership with academic institutions, industry, governments, and international bodies, including:

1. Policy research projects on AI governance and regulatory readiness
2. Comparative international studies on AI legislation and governance models
3. Ethical impact assessment projects for AI-enabled public and private systems
4. Human rights audits of AI applications across sectors
5. Responsible AI implementation frameworks for organizations and institutions
6. AI governance maturity assessment models for enterprises and public agencies
7. Cross-disciplinary research involving law, management, computer science, public policy, and social sciences
8. Consultancy and advisory research for organizations implementing AI technologies

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

The Centre will disseminate research outcomes through:

1. Peer-reviewed journal publications
2. Edited books and book chapters
3. White papers and policy briefs
4. Working papers and technical reports
5. Conference proceedings
6. Research monographs
7. Governance guidelines and best-practice frameworks

Capacity Building and Research Engagement

To strengthen research culture and professional development, ICAIR will promote:

1. Faculty-led interdisciplinary research groups
2. Research fellowships and visiting scholar programmes
3. Doctoral and post-doctoral research support
4. Student participation in governance research and policy labs
5. Collaborative supervision and joint publications
6. Skill development programmes in AI governance, ethics, compliance, and digital policy

Annual Flagship International Conference

ICAIR will organize a flagship annual international conference dedicated to Artificial Intelligence governance, ethics, human rights, public policy, and responsible innovation. The conference will serve as a global platform for scholars, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and researchers to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research, and deliberate on emerging challenges in AI governance.
The first edition of the conference will be hosted in India under the aegis of ICAIR at IIMT Bhubaneswar, and the subsequent editions may be organized in collaboration with member institutions across different countries on a rotational basis, thereby strengthening international academic partnerships, fostering cross-border dialogue, and expanding the Centre’s global engagement in AI governance and human rights.
This annual conference will include keynote addresses, technical sessions, policy dialogues, panel discussions, workshops, doctoral colloquia, and publication opportunities through conference proceedings, journals, and edited volumes.

International Publications

International Journal

International Journal of Artificial Intelligence Governance and Human Rights (Scopus)

Editor in Chief: Prof. Srikanta Patnaik
ISSN online: 2977-604X
ISSN print: 2977-6031

International Journal

International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics

Editor in Chief: Prof. Srikanta Patnaik
ISSN online: 1752-914X
ISSN print: 1752-9131

International Journal

International Journal of Information and Communication Technology

Editor in Chief: Prof. Srikanta Patnaik
ISSN online: 1741-8070
ISSN print: 1466-6642

International Journal

Book Series
Modeling and Optimization in Science and Technologies

Series Editors: Srikanta Patnaik, Ishwar K. Sethi, Xiaolong Li
ISSN online: 2196-7334
ISSN print: 2196-7326

Previous Publications

Edited Volumes

Artificial Intelligence for Future Society: Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Society (Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems Book 41)

Editors: Vasile Palade, Margarita Favorskaya, Srikanta Patnaik, Milan Simic, Smaranda Belciug
ISBN: 978-3-031-69456-1

Edited Volumes

Machine Learning Approaches in Financial Analytics (Intelligent Systems Reference Library Book 254)

Editor: Leandros A. Maglaras, Sonali Das, NalinipravaTripathy, Srikanta Patnaik
ISBN: 978-3-031-61036-3

Edited Volumes

AI Technologies and Virtual Reality: Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (AIVR 2023) (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies Book 382)

Editors: Kazumi Nakamatsu, Srikanta Patnaik, Roumen Kountchev
ISBN: 978-981-99-9017-7

Edited Volumes

Proceedings of International Conference on AI and Financial Innovation (AIFI 2025) (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies)

Editors: Rangan Gupta, Srikanta Patnaik, Anna Esposito
ISBN: 978-981-96-7268-4

Edited Volumes

Advances in Computational Vision and Robotics: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computational Vision and Robotics - ICCVR-2024 (Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems Book 47)

Editors: George A. Tsihrintzis, Margarita N. Favorskaya, Roumiana Kountcheva, Srikanta Patnaik
ISBN: 978-3031859526

Edited Volumes

Multidimensional Signals Processing, AI Methods and Applications: Proceedings of WCI3DT 2024 (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies Book 418)

Editors: Lakhmi C. Jain, Roumiana Kountcheva, Wenfeng Wang, Srikanta Patnaik
ISBN: 978-9819791248

Edited Volumes

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Communication Technologies (ICAICT 2024): Network Technologies, AI and Systems and Technologies Book 425)

Editors: Lakhmi C. Jain, Roumiana Kountcheva, Kazumi Nakamatsu, Srikanta Patnaik
ISBN: 978-9819600960

Edited Volumes

AI Methods and Applications in 3D Technologies: Proceedings of 3DWCAI 2023 (Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies Book 388)

Editors: Roumen Kountchev (Deceased), Srikanta Patnaik, Wenfeng Wang, Roumiana Kountcheva
ISBN: 978-9819721443

Edited Volumes

Recent Advancements in Computational Finance and Business Analytics: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computational Finance and Business... Analytics in Intelligent Systems Book 32)

Editors: Rangan Gupta, Francesco Bartolucci, Vasilios N. Katsikis, Srikanta Patnaik
ISBN: 978-303138074

Industrial Collaboration

Spotline Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
ihub, E/43, Infocity Ave, Sailashree Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024

Spotline is a Software and Services firm focused on helping enterprise customers in Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. Their headquarters is located in Silicon Valley, Spotline also operates delivery Centres in New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Bangalore, enabling seamless global service and innovation. In collaboration with IIMT, Spotline has recognized the Institute as a key Centre for technological exchange, innovation, and research. This partnership also aims to empower youth by providing them with wide-ranging opportunities for growth and development in the evolving fields of Life Sciences and Healthcare.

Andolasoft Pvt Ltd Sector 3, A/65, Mancheswar Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751010

Andolasoft Pvt. Ltd. is a future-forward technology company with strong expertise in product engineering, cloud computing, analytics, and event-driven micro services. With a solid foundation in building scalable and resilient systems, Andolasoft has emerged as a leader in artificial intelligence, specializing in generative AI and agentic frameworks that convert visionary ideas into intelligent, adaptive digital solutions. Headquartered in the U.S. with development Centres in India, Andolasoft operates with a global mindset and a commitment to innovation. In association with IIMT, Andolasoft actively contributes to technological exchange, advanced research, and innovation, while also initiating youth development in AI and digital technologies through real-world applications and collaborative initiatives.

Team Members Associated with ICAIR

Mr. Alok Arun
MBA, NCMP Level 5, NCIAP, Ph.D. (Financial Economics) Continuing, Assistant Professor, I.I.M.T. Bhubaneswar
Coordinator, International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR)

Mr. Alok Arun has completed Integrated MBA from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack Odisha in 2019 with specialization in Finance & Financial Markets. He has achieved Level 5 certification from National Stock Exchange (NSE) as “NSE Academy Certified Market Professional (NCMP)” and “NSE Academy Certified Investment Analyst Pro Certification”. He has also several certifications from National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) such as “NISM-Series- VII: Securities operations and Risk Management” and “NISM-Series- X-B: Investment Advisor Module”. He has done certificate course in ‘Use of Python in Finance” and “Tally”. Currently he is pursuing Ph.D. in Financial Economics.

Mr. P. Sai Subham,
Assistant Professor, IIMT, Bhubaneswar
Co-Coordinator, International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR)

P. Sai Subham is a seasoned professional in the domains of finance, law, and sales management. He has completed his MBA in Finance & Marketing from United School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar, and holds an Integrated Law degree from KIIT School of Law. He has gained practical legal exposure by working under senior advocates at the District Court, Jharsuguda, where he was involved in case proceedings, legal drafting, and research on criminal and negotiable instrument cases.

He has also contributed to social development through his work as an Area Survey Executive in an NGO, working across remote regions of Odisha. Transitioning into the corporate sector, he has built strong expertise in sales and financial services through his roles at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance and HDFC Life Insurance. He also served as Senior Sales Manager at HDB Financial Services, Bhubaneswar, until joining IIMT, where he further strengthened his skills in business development and client relationship management.

With a diverse professional background and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Subham continues to demonstrate strong leadership, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach in his career.

Mr. Amit Mohapatra,
Assistant Coordinator, International Centre for AI Governance & Human Rights (ICAIR)

Amit Mohapatra is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science with expertise in C, C++, Java, and Python, and a strong foundation in Data Structures and Compiler Design. Skilled in Core Java, object-oriented programming, database management, and web technologies, he has experience in teaching and mentoring students in academic and project work. He has a growing interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and actively contributes to academic initiatives, including accreditation processes and faculty development programs. Committed to continuous learning, he focuses on building practical, industry-relevant skills and delivering quality education.