Dr Steven Sam
Lecturer in Computer Science
Wilfred Brown Buillding 215
- Email: steven.sam@brunel.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)1895 266250
Qualifications
Dr Steven Sam (PhD, FHEA) is a Lecturer and researcher specialising in responsible AI and digital governance, with a focus on how digital and data-driven systems operate in real-world and high-impact contexts.
His work addresses the challenge of ensuring that AI and digital systems are not only technically effective, but also accountable, transparent, and aligned with societal values in practice. He adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from human-centred computing, data ethics, and ICT for development to better understand how digital systems behave in complex environments.
Dr Sam’s research focuses on responsible AI, governance and regulatory frameworks, and the risks and failures of automated decision-making systems, particularly within sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and services, including in low-resource and development contexts. He has led and contributed to interdisciplinary research and innovation initiatives, including his role as founder and co-leader of Computer Science for Social Good, aimed at addressing societal challenges through technology.
He has collaborated with academic institutions, industry partners, development agencies, and government bodies on projects that require both technical expertise and contextual understanding, particularly across Africa.
In addition to his academic work, Dr Sam engages with organisations through advisory and professional education, supporting the responsible design and deployment of AI and data-driven systems. His work spans ethical assessment, governance frameworks, risk evaluation, and stakeholder training, with a focus on translating responsible AI principles into real-world implementation.
Overall, his work seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, advancing the development of AI and digital systems that are both innovative and socially responsible.
Responsibility
- Founder and Co-Lead Computer Science for Social Good Research Group
- Co-Lead African Regional Working Group
- Department Admission Group Member
Newest selected publications
Abdulhamid, NG., Ogunyemi, A., Perry, M., Bauters, M., Rephisti, J., Sam, S., et al. (2025) 'Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Africa with AI: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Inclusivity and Resilience'.Africhi 2025: The 5th Biennial African Human Computer Interaction Conference. Cairo, Egypt. 4 - 8 November. ACM. pp. 415 - 418.Open Access Link
Ayebare, J. and Sam, S. (2025) 'The Socio-Technical Factors That Influence the Use of E-Participation in Rural Uganda', in Hofmann, S., Danneels, L., Dobbe, R., Anna-Sophie, N., Parycek, P., Schwabe, G., et al. (eds.) Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland. , 15978: Electronic Participation. ePart 2025. pp. 19 - 35. ISBN 10: 3-032-02515-X. ISBN 13: 978-3-032-02514-2.
Ayebare, J. and Sam, S. (2025) 'A Multi-Dimensional E-Participation Model to Boost Public Confidence in Democracy in Rural Uganda: Participatory Approach'.2025 Eleventh International Conference on eDemocracy & eGovernment (ICEDEG). Bern, Switzerland. 18 - 20 June. IEEE. pp. 255 - 264. ISSN: 2573-2005 Open Access Link
Sam, S., Sengul, C., Bodini, A., Macauley, S. and Fasuluku, S. (2023) 'Participatory Co-Design of Wearable Solutions for Monitoring Infants in Remote Environments in Sierra Leone'.3rd Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2023). Lagos, Nigeria. 22 - 23 June. Reports & Recommendations from the 3rd Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2023). pp. 29 - 29.Open Access Link
Sam, S., Mostéfaoui, SK., Piccolo, L., Macauley, S. and Jalloh, T. (2022) 'Policy Brief: Designing a multisectoral user-centred technology system for tackling violence against women.'. Available at: https://zenodo.org/records/6957232#.Y6Lc8NXP1PY.Open Access Link