Dr Karen Banahene Blay is a distinguished scholar and leader in the field of digital construction, specialising in digital information resilience and inclusion within the built environment. As a senior lecturer and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Loughborough's School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Dr Blay brings extensive expertise in integrating advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and data-driven frameworks to improve resilience, security, and accessibility in construction and urban planning.

Her research, which spans global collaborations from the UK to Africa and Asia, focuses on optimising information resilience, space utilisation, and data integrity, particularly for vulnerable groups. She has pioneered projects that influence policy and operational practices, for organisations like the NHS, Cambridge’s Centre for Digital Built Britain, and Heathrow Airport.

Media and public engagement experience

Dr Blay is a seasoned media contributor, sharing insights on the intersection of technology and diversity in the construction industry. She has discussed topics like AI-driven maintenance solutions for construction safety, the role of digitisation in promoting inclusivity, and hybrid work challenges in engineering. Her thought leadership in digital inclusion is recognised internationally, where she often addresses conferences on issues ranging from digital resilience to gender inclusivity.