Meet our Sci-fAI Futures Panel of Judges

Our esteemed panel of judges has meticulously reviewed entries and selected the most outstanding stories. Each judge brings a wealth of expertise and insight, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation process. Meet the judges who have made this possible.

Dr. Alan Lightman

Dr. Alan Lightman is a distinguished physicist, novelist, and educator renowned for bridging the gap between science and the humanities. Currently a Professor of the Practice of the Humanities at MIT, he has made significant contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in astrophysical processes. He also serves on the United Nations' Scientific Advisory Board, advising on breakthroughs in science and technology and addressing ethical and social issues.

Dr. Lightman is the author of the international bestseller "Einstein’s Dreams", a novel exploring scientific and philosophical themes that is widely used in academic settings. He co-founded the Catalyst Collaborative at MIT, which uses theater to enhance public understanding of science, and is the Founder of Harpswell, a nonprofit organization that works to help advance young women leaders in Southeast Asia. His ability to integrate complex scientific ideas with compelling narratives brings a unique perspective to the Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge.

Shimona Mohan

Shimona Mohan is an Associate Researcher with UNIDIR’s Gender & Disarmament and Security & Technology Programmes, focusing on the intersections of gender, security, and emerging technologies, particularly AI and cybersecurity. She is also one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics for 2024 and was previously a #Leader4Tomorrow and #Leader2Future under UNODA's Youth4Disarmament Initiative.

Shimona holds a Master's in International Affairs from the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland and has previously worked with the Observer Research Foundation, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Government of India. She has presented her research at numerous international platforms including the UNGA, UNESCO, and the Internet Governance Forum. Fluent in English and Hindi with intermediate knowledge of Korean and French, her diverse expertise and international experience make her an invaluable addition to the Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge panel of judges.

Emilia Hannuksela

Emilia Hannuksela works at the UN Youth Office as the Youth Peace and Security Team Lead. With over six years of experience at the United Nations, Emilia pioneered the Youth Peace and Security portfolio at the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth and supported its transition into the newly established UN Youth Office. Emilia has an academic background in International Human Rights law and is an advocate for human rights and peace. Emilia identifies as a global citizen and has worked and studied in multiple countries while advancing youth and child rights.

Stanley Quifan

Chen Qiufan (aka Stanley Chan) is an award-winning Chinese science fiction writer, translator, and curator. Co-author of "AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future", he was selected as a culture leader by the World Economic Forum in 2019. Chen has received numerous literary awards, including Taiwan’s Dragon Fantasy Award and China’s Galaxy and Xingyun (Nebula) Awards. His internationally recognized stories, such as "The Fish of Lijiang" and "The Year of the Rat", have been translated into multiple languages. His debut novel "Waste Tide" is praised as a pinnacle of near-future science fiction.

With a background in technology, Chen has worked for Google, Baidu, and a VR startup, Noitom Technology. He now runs Thema Mundi Studio, developing his intellectual properties and promoting Chinese science fiction globally. Chen's creative and innovative approach makes him an ideal judge for the Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge.

Divina Maloum

Divina Maloum is a multi-award-winning peacebuilding practitioner and activist from Cameroon. She founded Children for Peace (C4P) at the age of 12, inspired by the plight of exploited children, child marriages, and child soldiers. Using cartoons to communicate with children and break language barriers, Divina promotes peace and inclusive governance.