Leicester academic acknowledged by UN for contributions to peace and inclusivity
University of Leicester’s Dr Sarah Jane Fox has achieved acclaim for her work relating to the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr Fox was named as a top twenty finalist of the SDG Game Changer Awards which is part of SDG Digital and took place on20-21 September in New York.
SDG Digital exemplifies how digital technologies can lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive and responsible future. Dr Fox’s ongoing collaborative work across the area of drones (autonomous and unmanned vehicles) used for peaceful purposes – ‘utilising drones for good (benefiting society) and protecting national infrastructures (misuse): sharing policies and guidance,’ was acknowledged within the Peace Category which relates to building peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16 and 17).
Dr Fox’s research relates to exploration of the trends, risks and opportunities presented by digital and emerging technologies, today and into the future.
As part of her work, she has led and presented at various UN events (including at the UNOOSA and at the ITU-WSIS) and, taken part in key discussions, including at the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) earlier this month which concerned Advance Air Mobility (AAM).
In 2023, Dr Fox was commissioned, by UKRI-Innovate, to present a report on Future Flight Challenges.
Dr Fox said, “I am honoured to receive this acclaim for my collaborative research and engagement relating to technology and the digitalisation and advancement of transport. Transport remains a key enabler to our lives and existence. I remain passionate about protecting our future, whilst maximising on opportunities that aid and benefit society.
“I am delighted that my research is assisting in strategy and policy advancements and that I have been able to contribute at a number of prestigious events and to related discussions, including at the UN High-Level Forum event in May which marked the significant anniversary for global digital transformation, and, also at ICAO this month regarding connected air transport. It remains essential that we harness technology responsibly, providing opportunities that assist all fairly, whilst at the same time, we consider challenges and risks and mitigate for negative factors.”
Dr Sarah Jane Fox is based in Leicester Law School and is an Associate Director at the Institute of Digital Culture. She has worked across the field of transport, in particular aviation and space, and across technology for over 25-years; and, prior to entering Higher Education, Dr Fox worked in government roles and in consultancy relating to transport policies and strategy development.