Mrs. Patricia Gomes Rรชgo de Almeida | Digital Transformation | Best Paper Award
Mrs. Patricia Gomes Rรชgo de Almeida, Chamber of Deputies of Brazil.
Dr. Patricia Gomes Rรชgo de Almeida is a distinguished leader in digital governance and artificial intelligence policy. With a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Brasรญlia, her work explores the intersection of AI and institutional governance. She currently serves as the Head of Innovation, IT Governance, and Digital Strategy at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, leading the national legislatureโs digital transformation efforts. Dr. Almeida is also a prominent figure in the global parliamentary tech space, coordinating the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Her pioneering role in drafting AI Guidelines for Parliaments reflects her deep commitment to ethical, transparent, and innovative public sector modernization. Her leadership combines technical expertise with policy foresight, making her a pivotal voice in AI governance worldwide.
ย Profile
๐ Education
Dr. Patricia Almeida holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Brasรญlia (UnB), with a focused research on Artificial Intelligence Governanceโan area that explores regulatory, ethical, and strategic frameworks for the implementation of AI in public institutions. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Masterโs degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she gained foundational knowledge in computing systems and data-driven technologies. Her unique blend of engineering and public administration education allows her to approach technology policy with both analytical precision and institutional insight. Her academic background reflects a rare interdisciplinary expertise, positioning her at the forefront of emerging debates around the governance of emerging technologies in democratic institutions.
๐ผ Professional Experience
Currently, Patricia serves as the Head of Innovation, IT Governance, and Digital Strategy at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, where she designs and executes the legislature’s Digital Transformation Strategy. She is responsible for steering AI project portfolios, defining institutional AI policy, and leading Data Fluency initiatives across the chamber. Her work ensures that Brazil’s legislative processes integrate ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking AI tools. Additionally, she is the Coordinator of the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Centre for Innovation in Parliaments. In this role, she led the development of the AI Guidelines for Parliaments, establishing a global benchmark for responsible AI use in legislative contexts. Patricia’s dual leadership roles reflect her ability to navigate complex institutional environments while driving innovation.
๐ฌ Research Interests
Patricia’s research focuses on Artificial Intelligence Governance, digital transformation in the public sector, data ethics, and institutional transparency. Her work explores how parliaments and legislative institutions can harness AI in a trustworthy, accountable, and human-centered manner. Her academic and professional inquiry covers critical areas such as algorithmic decision-making, AI policy frameworks, ethical data management, and public trust in AI systems. She is especially interested in designing institutional safeguards that ensure responsible AI deployment while promoting citizen engagement and transparency. Patriciaโs research is deeply policy-oriented and grounded in real-world applications, making a tangible impact on how public institutions think about and implement AI systems.
๐ Awards & Honors
Patricia Almeida has received wide recognition for her contributions to AI policy and innovation in government. While specific named awards have not been publicly listed, her appointment as Coordinator of the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at IPU and her leadership in crafting the AI Guidelines for Parliaments signify international acclaim and trust in her expertise. Her work has been featured in global forums that bring together policymakers, technologists, and scholars, positioning her as a key voice in the development of digital governance models. Her achievements reflect not just personal excellence, but also her broader commitment to ethical leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.
๐ Publications
Cited by multiple institutions for responsible legislative AI implementation practices.