Two Surrey computer science experts appointed to national advisory roles to shape UK technology policy

Professor John Collomosse and Professor Nishanth Sastry have both been elected to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's (DSIT) College of Experts, a network of independent specialists who will give DSIT fast, flexible access to leading scientific and technical expertise. Professor Collomosse has also joined UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Science, Engineering and Technology Board (SETB). 

Professor Collomosse, a Professor of Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Surrey's Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) and Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI), has been appointed in recognition of his expertise in AI, media provenance and authenticity, and the responsible governance of emerging digital technologies. 

His research focuses on trusted digital media and AI, and has pioneered technologies that help verify the origin, authenticity and rights associated with online content. His work was foundational in forming the C2PA cross-industry standard in media provenance, helping to tackle misinformation, improve online safety and address copyright challenges in the creative industries. 

The new roles will see Professor Collomosse contribute independent expert advice on national research priorities, innovation policy and advanced digital technologies. They build on his wider engagement with UK policy around AI and digital trust, including advising UKRI and EPSRC, contributing evidence on AI and copyright to both DSIT and the House of Lords Digital and Communications Committee, and serving as a member of the Creative Industries Council. 

He has previously worked within DSIT’s disinformation capability team through the Royal Society Pairing Scheme, reflecting the diverse role provenance can play in fighting fake news and ensuring fair recognition and reward for the re-use of creative content in AI.

Professor Nishanth Sastry, Associate Head of Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, and a Surrey AI Fellow, has also been elected to DSIT's College of Experts for his knowledge in how digital technologies and online platforms shape society, including research into social media, online harms, privacy, cyber security and the networks that underpin modern digital services 

His work combines large-scale data analysis with the design of real-world digital systems, helping to improve understanding of how people consume information online and how technologies can be made safer, more resilient and better suited to society's needs. 

He also leads the Networked Systems Theme within the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security and advises several national bodies, including EPSRC's Digital Security and Resilience Strategic Advisory Team. His research has informed public policy and debate on issues including online safety, digital citizen engagement, privacy and emerging communications technologies. 

These appointments align with the University of Surrey’s commitment to people-centred AI research and innovation – placing societal needs, trust and public benefit at the heart of technological advancement. 

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Notes to editors 

• Professors John Collomosse and Nishanth Sastry are available for interview; please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange.