Julia Straatman

Utrecht University Data School

Julia Straatman is a researcher at Data School, Utrecht University (UU), where she focuses on digital ethics within (mostly) Dutch governmental organisations.

Julia obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Leiden University and Keio University (Tokyo), and a Master’s degree in Applied Ethics at Utrecht University. Here, she specialises in digital ethics.

Her research at the UU focuses on developments in artificial intelligence, data, and ethics. She is highly involved in the Dutch FRAIA (Fundamental Rights and Algorithms Impact Assessment): she coordinates and conducts assessments involving the instrument and assists Dutch (semi-)governmental organisations in practicing digital ethics by providing workshops, delivering lectures, and conducting research in the field. Furthermore, Julia Straatman has recently become active in relevant standardisation committees on a national and European level. Recently, FRAIA has gained more European attention due to the upcoming AI Act’s future obligation to perform fundamental rights impact assessments for certain algorithms. Julia coordinated FRAIA’s introduction to the European stage and the internationalisation of the instrument.