
# Adam Mackay
*AI Researcher · Author · Safety-Critical Systems Specialist*
Where AI capability meets the industries where software failures have consequences beyond a bad quarterly report.
[Read the Newsletter](newsletter.html) [Get in Touch](contact.html)
## What I Do
For nearly three decades I've worked at the collision point between transformative technologies and their civilisation-level implications — AI, autonomous systems, and safety-critical software in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and defence.
Currently I'm **[Head of AI and Principal Strategic Advisor at QA-Systems](https://linkedin.com/in/adammackay)**, exploring how language models change the economics and safety calculus of testing safety-critical software. I also write, speak, and occasionally work with organisations on strategic questions they can't answer internally.
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## Recent Work
**Expert panellist** — [One Young World](https://www.oneyoungworld.com) Global Forum, Bath 2025 (AI ethics and global policy)
**Contributing author** — [HiPEAC Vision 2025](https://www.hipeac.net/vision/2025/) (European AI research priorities)
**Contributing author** — HiPEAC Vision 2026 *(forthcoming)*
**Published** — *[Embedded Software Testing: Developing Reliable Software from Fundamentals to AI-based Techniques](book.html)* (BPB Publications, 2026) — lessons from 28 years in aerospace, automotive, nuclear, and medical domains
**Newsletter** — *[The AI Monitor](https://theaimonitor.substack.com)* reaches 2,500+ technical professionals and policymakers weekly
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## On the Horizon
**Speaking** — [Embedded World Conference](https://www.embedded-world.de), Nuremberg 2026: *Embedded Software Testing with fundamental skills and AI*
**Writing** — *AI for Dinosaurs* (in development): narrative nonfiction on what happens when AI meets the industries where failure isn't a bug report — it's a body count
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## Explore
- [Writing & Books](writing.html) — books, essays, and articles
- [Speaking & Media](speaking.html) — keynotes and conference appearances
- [The AI Monitor](newsletter.html) — weekly strategic analysis
- [About](about.html) — background and experience
- [Contact](contact.html) — get in touch