Clara Neppel

IEEE Senior Director European Operations, UPT Alumna

Clara Neppel, a graduate of the Politehnica University of Timișoara (Computer Science) and an expert in AI governance, is Senior Director of European Operations at IEEE, the largest professional association dedicated to innovation and excellence. She contributes to issues related to the technology policy of several international organizations, such as the OECD, the European Commission and Parliament, and the Council of Europe. She is involved in efforts related to emerging technologies, standardization, entrepreneurship, as well as the societal implications of technology. Dr. Neppel is also an independent director of the Supervisory Board of the European Institute of Digital Technology, co-chair of the Advisory Board of the Konrad Zuse schools of excellence in artificial intelligence, a member of the scientific-industrial advisory board of Research Studios Austria, the Strategy Council of the Hagenberg Software Competence Center, as well as the Independent Advisory Board of the UK RI Centre for Responsible Doctoral Training in AI, responsible and transparent. She joined IEEE after many years with the European Patent Office, where she was involved in various aspects related to innovation, intellectual property, and standards in information and communication technologies. Dr. Neppel holds a PhD in Computer Science from TU Munich and a Master's in Law and IP Management from the University of Strasbourg.