Dr. Kate Preston
Research Associate in Safe and Human Centred AI University of York
Dr Kate Preston is a Research Associate in Safe and Human-centred AI at the Centre for Assuring Autonomy at the University of York. In her role, she works on a variety of projects, in both the healthcare and maritime sector. These projects mainly focus human-centred safety, and how this can be applied to the development and safe assurance of AI and digital technologies.
Kate is a psychologist by background and holds a PhD in developing healthcare AI technology using a Human Factors/Ergonomics perspective from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Kate has extensive experience in applying a human factors and sociotechnical perspective to the development of AI and digital health technology, and the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods for research. Dr Preston is also co-chair of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) Maritime Technical Committee and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors AI and Digital Health Special Interest Group.
2026 Event Agenda Sessions
AI in Maritime: From Automation to Autonomy
AI is moving beyond isolated use cases to reshape how decisions are made across maritime and project logistics. As the industry explores the path from automation to autonomy, what does this mean in practice for operations, planning and execution? This main stage interview explores where AI is already delivering value, how decision-making is evolving, and how humans will interact with increasingly intelligent systems. As AI becomes part of more complex operational environments, what will define success – technology alone, or how it is integrated across the wider system?
Wednesday 17 June 14:00 - 14:25 Breakbulk Live Stage
Future Readiness
AI is moving beyond isolated use cases to reshape how decisions are made across maritime and project logistics. As the industry explores the path from automation to autonomy, what does this mean in practice for operations, planning and execution? This main stage interview explores where AI is already delivering value, how decision-making is evolving, and how humans will interact with increasingly intelligent systems. As AI becomes part of more complex operational environments, what will define success – technology alone, or how it is integrated across the wider system?
Breakbulk Live Stage Europe/Madrid
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