RBD Student Ambassadors

The Responsible by Design Student Ambassador Scheme is designed to promote awareness of the need to for responsible design, development and use of military AI, particularly among the next generation of legal advisors, engineers, computer scientists, ethics and innovators.

As AI, autonomy, robotics, and emerging military technologies become increasingly integrated into national defence strategies, students and early-career researchers will play a vital role in shaping these systems. However, general knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks governing the development and use of such technologies remains limited, especially the obligations under Article 36.

This Student Ambassador Scheme will help normalise these conversations by empowering students to become informed advocates for responsible and lawful innovation in military technology.

How do the Student Ambassadors contribute to the international debate?

The Student Ambassador scheme is student led. They contribute to the international debate by:

• Representing the Responsible by Design initiative on their campus or institution

• Promoting awareness of IHL and legal review obligations through events, workshops, and campaigns

• Collaborate with RBD Academic ambassadors to share ideas, content, and best practices

• Participate in virtual training and networking sessions with experts in law, ethics, and technology

• Contribute to RBDI blog posts, LBD Live podcast interviews, or student-led outreach materials

• Serve for a term of one academic year, with opportunities for renewal.

What are the benefits of becoming a Student Ambassador?

Student Ambassadors benefit in a number of ways including:

• Participating in the increasingly urgent debate around the responsible use of AI in the military domain.

• Recognition as a Responsible by Design Student Ambassador.

• Access to expert mentoring and interdisciplinary training through the RBD Academic Ambassadors and RBD Programs.

• Certificate of participation and LinkedIn endorsement.

• Opportunity to contribute to real-world policy and education initiatives.