Does AI research contribute to public value? Why the BBC must be part of the conversation

Danijela Horak led AI Research at BBC R&D for three years. Before she departed in 2025, we had the opportunity to reflect with her on why AI research matters for public service.

In this conversation, we unpack the strategic and cultural role of AI research within a public service organisation, and why responsible development and participation matter as much as innovation. From shaping standards and expectations to understanding the risks of disengagement, this episode examines why sustained investment in AI research is vital to delivering public value in an AI‑driven future.

Follow the links below to learn more about BBC R&D’s research and the things mentioned in this episode:

R&D's AI & ML research page - https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/

BBC Verify - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/bbcverify

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-10-ai-content-detection
https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/deepfake-detection-image-manipulation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/reliable-deepfake-detection-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/articles/bbc-to-launch-new-generative-ai-pilots-to-support-news-production/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-10-natural-language-processing-news-editorial-tools
https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-10-computer-vision-virtual-production-archives-anonymisation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002792v

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