Tech Policy Expertise: Inclusion & diversity

  • Anushka Sharma

    Anushka Sharma is a leading voice in space innovation and inclusive technology strategy. As the founder of Naaut, her past work includes supporting NASA’s AI accelerator, ESA-backed initiatives, building partnerships across the global AI and technology ecosystem and was previously Senior Technical Programme Coordinator for DiRAC, a national supercomputing facility. Before space she worked in politics, growing the UK startup and deep tech ecosystem and was Protocol Manager for the Olympic Stadium – London 2012.

    At the Space Academic Network (SPAN) she builds relationships across academia, industry and government to advocate for UK academics and researchers in Earth Observation, Space Science and Engineering, Space Environment, and Space for Society. In addition, she sits on the Oversight Committee for the UK Regional Centre of the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world’s most ambitious scientific collaborations.

    As Co-founder of the London Space Network, Anushka has built one of the UK’s most vibrant space communities, now over 2,000 members strong, with monthly events connecting 90+ organisations across industry, academia, and government.

    A recognised science communicator, Anushka appears regularly on national and international media to share insights on the societal impact of space. Her 12+ accolades include Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech and Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech (2020–2024).

    She is a connector, ecosystem builder, and trusted voice on the future of space and technology.

  • Aimee Louise Carton

    Aimee Carton is a leading voice at the intersection of AI-driven innovation, tech policy, and ethical governance. An exited entrepreneur with a background in behavioral science and experience scaling AI systems across global organizations, Aimee focuses on how emerging technologies can be designed and deployed to prioritize inclusion, safety, and human impact. Her work spans the regulation of AI in startup ecosystems, collaborative approaches to responsible innovation, and the advancement of online safety frameworks—especially for vulnerable populations. A passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Aimee also champions equitable skills development and education as critical pillars of future policy, ensuring that AI transformation is both just and accessible.

  • Abby Burke

    Abby Burke is a Senior Policy Manager in the technology and media policy practice at Public First. At Public First, she has led large scale research projects about AI, culture, content moderation and media across four continents. Previously, she worked as Programme Manager for Open Rights Group, a UK-based human rights and technology policy NGO. Her role focused on free expression and privacy issues, working with key political, industry, and civil society stakeholders across the UK, US, and EU. Abby is originally from the United States and has worked or interned for the U.S. Department of State, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Branch Politics, and the Carter Center. Abby holds a Master’s in Social Science of the Internet from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s in Economics and International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology.