Maja Pantic: A Visionary Leader in Artificial Intelligence and Affective Computing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform the way we live, work, and interact. Among the foremost pioneers driving this revolution is Dr Maja Pantic, an internationally acclaimed AI expert whose extensive career spans academia, Big Tech, and national innovation initiatives. From her pioneering research in affective and behavioural computing to her leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious organisations, Dr Pantic’s impact on AI is profound and far-reaching.
Who is Maja Pantic?
Dr Maja Pantic is a distinguished Professor of Affective and Behavioural Computing at Imperial College London and currently serves as the Chief AI Research Officer at NatWest Group. She has previously held influential roles at Meta and Samsung Electronics, spearheading research and development in generative AI and human-centric technologies. Renowned for her expertise, Dr Pantic has published over 300 research papers and supervised more than 30 PhD students, shaping the next generation of AI researchers.
Educational Background: The Foundation of an AI Luminary
Dr Pantic’s journey began at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, where she completed her BSc and MSc in Computer Science. Her passion for mathematics and computer science propelled her into doctoral research, and she earned her PhD in Computer Science in 2001. This solid educational foundation underpinned her early academic career, during which she held positions as an Assistant and Associate Professor at Delft University.
Her strong analytical skills and dedication to rigorous research helped her establish a reputation as a thought leader in computer vision, machine learning, and affective computing — fields that focus on understanding human emotions and behaviours through technology.
A Career of Innovation and Leadership
NatWest Group: Pioneering AI in Banking
In May 2025, Dr Pantic took on the role of Chief AI Research Officer at NatWest Group, one of the United Kingdom’s leading financial institutions. Here, she leverages her expertise to improve efficiency, safety, and customer experience through bespoke generative AI and agentic AI solutions. Her work focuses on applying cutting-edge AI techniques to simplify complex banking operations, enhance fraud detection, and personalise financial services.
Her leadership at NatWest marks a strategic shift towards harnessing AI to transform traditional banking, emphasising transparency, reliability, and innovation. This role highlights her ability to translate academic insights into practical solutions with significant societal impact.
Imperial College London: Academic Excellence and Research Prowess
Dr Pantic’s long-standing association with Imperial College London, spanning nearly two decades, has been instrumental in advancing the field of affective and behavioural computing. Since 2010, she has been a Professor of Affective and Behavioural Computing, contributing to the university’s reputation as a hub for AI research.
At Imperial, she leads research exploring how machines can understand and interpret human non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language. This work not only advances academic knowledge but also finds applications in healthcare, security, and human-computer interaction.
Meta: Driving Generative AI Technologies
Before joining NatWest, Dr Pantic served as the Generative AI Research Director at Meta (formerly Facebook) from 2020 to 2025. At Meta, she led the development and deployment of generative AI technologies powering innovative products like Meta AI Personas and Instagram AI Agents. Her role involved strategic product planning, research oversight, and fostering collaborations across teams to pioneer new AI-driven user experiences.
Her leadership at Meta placed her at the forefront of generative AI, a rapidly evolving subfield that enables machines to create content such as text, images, and conversations — revolutionising digital interaction and media.
Samsung Electronics: Building the AI Centre in Cambridge
Prior to Meta, Dr Pantic was the Research Director at Samsung Electronics’ Artificial Intelligence Centre in Cambridge, where she was responsible for launching the centre and steering its strategic direction. From 2018 to 2020, she led recruitment and spearheaded research in AI technologies tailored for mobile platforms, focusing on performance metrics, fine-tuning algorithms, and emerging technologies.
Her tenure at Samsung strengthened her reputation as a visionary leader capable of bridging academic research with industry applications, delivering AI innovations that enhanced mobile user experiences.
Realeyes – Vision AI: Scientific Advisory Role
Dr Pantic also contributed her expertise as a Scientific Advisor at Realeyes, a company specialising in emotional intelligence and vision AI technologies. Between 2013 and 2020, she supported Realeyes in developing AI systems capable of analysing human emotions through facial expressions and behavioural cues, contributing to more empathetic and responsive technology solutions.
Research Contributions and Impact
Dr Maja Pantic’s research focuses on developing AI systems that understand human emotions and social signals by analysing visual and audio cues. Her work in affective computing explores how machines can detect laughter, sadness, anger, and other emotional states, enabling smarter human-computer interaction.
Her contributions are recognised globally through prestigious fellowships, including the IEEE Fellowship and the Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship. She has also received the Roger Needham Award, a testament to her innovative contributions to computer vision and AI.
Her extensive publication record and commitment to mentorship have made her a leading figure in academia, inspiring future researchers and advancing the scientific community’s understanding of AI’s potential.
Skills and Expertise
Dr Pantic’s career demonstrates a rare blend of deep technical knowledge and strategic leadership. Her core skills include:
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Advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques
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Performance metrics and quantitative research
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Technology planning and product strategy
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Communication and relationship building in interdisciplinary teams
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Development and fine-tuning of generative AI models
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AI adoption and employee engagement in corporate settings
These competencies allow her to excel in both research environments and industry leadership roles, driving AI innovation forward.
Dr Maja Pantic: An Influential Figure in AI
Dr Pantic’s career trajectory exemplifies how passion for technology, rigorous academic grounding, and visionary leadership can combine to shape the future of AI. From her pioneering research in affective computing to leading AI strategies at NatWest, Meta, and Samsung, she continuously pushes the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Her work improves not only technological capabilities but also societal wellbeing by fostering more natural, intuitive, and safe interactions between humans and machines. As AI continues to evolve, Dr Pantic remains a beacon of innovation, inspiration, and expertise, guiding both the academic and industrial AI landscapes.
Conclusion
In an era dominated by rapid technological change, Dr Maja Pantic stands out as a trailblazer whose contributions span from foundational research to cutting-edge industrial applications. Her leadership roles at NatWest Group, Imperial College London, Meta, and Samsung demonstrate her versatility and vision. As a prolific researcher, educator, and executive, Dr Pantic continues to shape the future of AI — ensuring that technology serves humanity with empathy, intelligence, and integrity.
