Innovation Fall 2025

Addressing Bias and Ethics in AI and Emerging Tech Thursday, October 30 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

This session explores the risks of bias in AI systems and other emerging technologies, how bias is introduced into these systems, the human and societal consequences of unchecked automation, and professional practice standards that must be upheld as they relate to the Code of

Ethics and applicable standards established by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Participants will learn how to identify and mitigate bias, ensure transparency in algorithmic decision-making, and uphold public trust in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

PRESENTERS

David Slade, P.Eng.

Simon Diemert, P.Eng.

Matt Murdoch, P.Eng.

David Slade, P.Eng., is a Practice Advisor, Professional Practice, at Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

Simon Diemert, P.Eng., is the VP Engineering at Critical Systems Labs and a co-author of Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Professional Practice Guideline – Development of Safety-Critical Software .

Matt Murdoch, P.Eng., is the director of the Program Management Office at EarthDaily Analytics and the co-author on the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Practice

Advisory – Use of AI in Professional Practice.

“Is the system provider transparent about how the system works? Do we know why the system produced a given output?” Slade asked. “In the absence of these factors, AI systems can become what is often referred to as ‘black boxes’ where users have little understanding of how the system works and blind faith is required to rely on the outputs they produce.” In the CE session, the panelists will also explore how registrants can use bias audits, inclusive design, and

continuous monitoring to track system performance. “Major corporations and professionals across multiple industries have mistakenly relied upon the output of AI systems without appropriately understanding and addressing the risks associated with their use,” Slade said. “In this session, we will discuss some real-world examples where the failure to address these risks resulted in significant consequences for the organizations and professionals involved.”

Innovation Fall 2025

27