research interests focus on human-centred communication of data and artificial intelligence, responsible and ethical AI practices, and the development of inclusive technology ecosystems. She is particularly interested in how storytelling and strategic communication can enhance public understanding of complex technologies, foster diversity in data science communities, and support meaningful engagement around emerging technologies.

Aliya Boranbayeva is a strategic communications specialist with over 10 years of experience working across international organisations, data science, and technology communities. Based in Berlin, she currently supports the Data Science Lab at the Hertie School and serves as Communications Lead for the Women in Big Data Berlin Chapter. Her work focuses on humanising data and AI, inclusive tech communities, and responsible AI communication. Reference: “Humanising Data Science: Why Storytelling Matters in AI, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Tech” As AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies accelerate, organisations face a growing challenge: how to make complex, technical work understandable, trusted, and relevant to society. In this talk, I draw on 10+ years of experience leading communications for the UN, the Hertie School’s Data Science Lab, and the Women in Big Data Berlin community to explore how storytelling and human-centred communication enable innovation in technical fields. I will share practical strategies for translating data-driven research into narratives that resonate with policymakers, civil society, industry, and the public. The talk highlights why effective communication is essential not only for visibility and engagement, but also for responsible AI adoption, diversity in tech, and public trust in digital systems. Through real-world examples from cross-sector collaborations, global initiatives, and community-building efforts, the session demonstrates how non-technical professionals play a critical role in the success of technical teams. This talk is designed for engineers, researchers, leaders, and communicators aiming to strengthen their impact through clearer, more inclusive, and more strategic communication.