Whether you’re a technophobe or a technophile, artificial intelligence has encroached upon every aspect of our lives. It’s evolution of has changed everything from how we run our homes, manage our health, shop and travel, to how we communicate, work and learn.

AI’s growing capability is making it increasingly difficult for us to identify how much of an influence such technologies have over our day-to-day actions, raising concerns and opening up conversations about how much we really know about the tools we’re using, and where we should draw the line.

Universities and business schools are at the centre of the conversation, with many professors leading research into how AI is transforming organisations, innovation, and society.

Thankfully, you don’t need to be sat in the classroom to hear what they have to say.

Why Follow Professors on Social Media?

Faculty offer a unique perspective. They’re not just exploring how AI works – they’re investigating how it fits into society, industry, practice and ethics.

Many are involved in policy discussions, startup ecosystems and executive training, shaping how such tools are integrated into our lives. Crucially, they’re also exploring what comes next. By following such individuals, you can stay ahead of the curve.

Whether through their research, social media presence, podcasts, or teaching, these academics are shaping how we understand and apply AI in the real world. If you’re looking for thought-provoking, practical insights into AI from the people who know best, these are the professors worth following.

Theodoros Evgeniou – Professor at INSEAD and expert in machine learning and AI ethics

Theodoros leads INSEAD’s executive education programmes on AI, focusing on regulation, risk, and business transformation; crucial insights for leaders navigating AI integration.

On LinkedIn, he shares insightful updates such as his new podcast “The Age of Intelligence” and AI regulation, ethics, debates, and insights from his research and teaching.

Theodoros’ LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoros-evgeniou-5397b/

Rana el Kaliouby – CEO and Co-Founder of Affectiva, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School

Although she does not technically hold a professorship, Rana co-teaches with HBS faculty on AI-based business, bringing AI products to market, and developing AI with ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind.

A pioneer of the field of Emotion AI, she co-founded Affectiva in 2009 as an MIT spinout, now used by 25% of the Fortune 500 for media analytics, consumer behaviour research, and automotive applications.

On LinkedIn, she shares insights on ethical AI, diversity in tech, emotional intelligence in AI, and highlights from her speaking and teaching, making her a valuable follow for those interested in the human side of AI.

Rana’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliouby/

Linus Dahlander – Professor at ESMT Berlin, holding the Lufthansa Group Chair in Innovation

Linus specialises in innovation and technology strategy with a focus on AI and machine learning’s impact on organisational innovation and networks. He also offers keynote talks and executive consulting worldwide on innovation strategy and AI’s role in new ways of working.

His LinkedIn posts often explore new research findings, case studies, and real-world applications of AI in innovation.

Linus’ LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linus-dahlander-05b510/

Xiao Ma – Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School

Xiao Ma specialises in AI for decision-making and risk analysis in business, exploring how AI supports strategic forecasting, operations, and uncertainty management.

Creator of award-winning entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, Xiao uses his LinkedIn to share research projects, industry collaborations, and AI-related innovation success stories.

Xiao’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxiao/

Ethan Mollick – Associate Professor and Co-Director of The Generative AI Lab at The Wharton School

A leading voice in AI education for business, Ethan was recognised by TIME as one of the most influential people in AI.

His Substack newsletter, titled One Useful Thing and LinkedIn posts offer practical, accessible advice on applying AI tools in business and education, often including experiments with emerging AI technologies and their implications for work and learning.

Ethan’s Linked in can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emollick/ and his Substack can be read here: https://substack.com/@oneusefulthing

Ajay Agrawal – Professor at University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and co-author of Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction

Ajay focuses on AI’s impact on the economics of decision-making. His LinkedIn is a mix of thought leadership, podcast interviews, and reflections on how AI is reshaping industries, making it a valuable follow for entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Ajay’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-ajay-agrawal/

Andrew Ng – Founder of DeepLearning.AI, Executive Chairman of LandingAI, General Partner at AI Fund, and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University’s Computer Science Department

A globally recognised AI pioneer, Andrew has authored 200+ research papers and revolutionised AI education worldwide. Andrew also featured on the Time100 AI list in 2023.

On LinkedIn, he posts clear breakdowns of technical developments, free AI learning resources, and his perspectives on AI’s societal impact.

Andrew’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewyng/

Tom Vazdar – Area Chair for Cybersecurity and Professor at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology

Tom is a trusted commentator on the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. He regularly shares his thoughts on current AI-related events, from major breakthroughs to policy discussions, and posts links to his media appearances where he analyses AI’s impact on society and business.

His feed is a mix of expert commentary, curated news, and opinion pieces-ideal for anyone wanting quick, insightful takes on the latest AI trends.

Tom’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cybermindnexus/

Ganna Pogrebna – Professor, Behavioural Data Science Pioneer, and Lead of Behavioural Data Science at The Alan Turing Institute

Ganna is a keynote speaker, author, and host who combines behavioural science, AI, computer science, data analytics, engineering, and business model innovation to help organisations and individuals make better decisions and achieve stronger outcomes.

Recognised with awards including TechWomen100 UK, Women in AI APAC, and AI in Cyber Champion Australia, she shares insights through her YouTube channel Data-driven and research on smart systems, cybersecurity, human-computer interactions, and innovative business models.

Her work offers practical perspectives on how technology and behavioural insights can drive positive change in society and business.

Ganna’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ganna-pogrebna-7a846493/

By, Megan-Rose Vince

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