Artificial Intelligence Advisory Panel
Minister Archibald held the inaugural meeting of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Panel on 16 April 2026. The Panel brings together leading experts from industry, academia and government to provide a co‑ordinated approach to addressing the economic challenges, while also realising the significant opportunities presented by the transformative potential of AI.
Background
The Panel’s initial focus will be on supporting the implementation of recommendations from the Matrix report:
The Panel will also advise on emerging AI opportunities, technologies, and risks.
AI Strategic Direction
The Department’s AI Strategic Direction, published in December 2025, sets out the framework under which the Department will take forward AI policy and delivery within its remit.
Members
- Professor Michaela Black – Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University
- Damian Duffy – Chief Executive and Principal, Belfast Metropolitan College
- Dr Simon Grattan – Director of Research Services and Government Affairs, for the Almac Group; MATRIX Panel Member
- Tom Gray – Strategic Adviser; MATRIX Panel Member
- Tadhg Hickey – Head of AI & Digital Ethics and Policy, Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)
- Amanda Johnston – Head of Business Development, Social Enterprise NI
- Patricia O’Hagan – MATRIX Panel Deputy Chair
- Kathleen O’Hare – Chair, Northern Ireland Skills Council
- Professor Iain Styles – Professor of Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast
- Dr Lisa Wilson – Ministerial Adviser on Good Jobs; Senior Economist, Nevin Economic Research Institute & Adjunct Associate Professor UCD
- Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer, NI Chamber
Supporting / Government Officials (Advisers to the Panel)
- Ian Snowden – Permanent Secretary, Department for the Economy
- Professor Helen McCarthy – Chief Scientific & Technology Adviser
- Mark Lee – Economic Policy Group, Department for the Economy
- Louise Watson – Skills and Education Group, Department for the Economy
- Richard Rodgers – Head of Energy, Department for the Economy
- Paul McCoy – City and Growth Deals Manager, Invest Northern Ireland
Notes
- Panel members provide independent advice to the Minister.
- Supporting officials attend as advisers, providing departmental, policy and delivery insight.