Mahault Albarracin

Mahault Albarracin is a pioneering researcher and keynote speaker specialising in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and active inference. She is widely recognised for her work in sustainable resource management, AI-driven environmental governance, and cognitive modelling for ecological resilience. With a background in social sciences and computational cognitive science, Mahault explores how active inference can enhance sustainability strategies across industries. As Director of Innovations & R&D at VERSES AI, she leads the development of AI frameworks that integrate ecological intelligence, ethical governance, and adaptive decision-making. Her research at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) further bridges cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.

Mahault’s career began with a deep focus on the intersection of cognition, society, and technology. After earning a Master’s in Sexology from UQAM, where she studied identity and fluidity, she transitioned into computational cognitive science, applying advanced modelling techniques to social structures and environmental challenges. She later pursued a PhD in Cognitive Computing, developing new methodologies to formalise epistemic communities and their role in sustainable governance. In 2021, she joined VERSES AI, where she has been instrumental in applying active inference to sustainability-focused AI models, ensuring that decision-making systems align with ecological principles.

A leading authority in AI and sustainability, Mahault has authored several influential publications, including Sustainability Under Active Inference, which redefines sustainability as a self-organising, adaptive system rather than a static goal. Her work on Modelling Sustainable Resource Management Using Active Inference has provided valuable insights into AI-driven environmental policies, sustainable urban planning, and ecological risk management. She has collaborated with prominent researchers such as Maxwell Ramstead and Karl Friston, further advancing the field of AI-driven ecological intelligence.

Beyond research, Mahault Albarracin is a sought-after keynote speaker at global conferences on AI, sustainability, and governance. She has spoken at events such as the Symposium on Dialogical Reason, discussing how cognitive AI can drive sustainable transformation. Her presentations offer a unique blend of scientific expertise and actionable strategies, making her a trusted advisor for policymakers, businesses, and researchers looking to integrate AI into sustainable frameworks. Through her work, Mahault is shaping the future of AI-powered sustainability, ensuring that technology serves both humanity and the planet.