Aishe is a PhD student at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and a researcher at the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, where she focuses on responsible AI and innovation in urban environments. With a background in public policy and more than a decade of experience in research and data analysis, she has contributed to international initiatives at the intersection of innovation, governance, and societal impact.

A proud Crimean Tatar and member of Ukraine’s Indigenous community, Aishe is also a practising Muslim whose identity deeply informs her worldview. Driven by curiosity and a strong appreciation for diverse perspectives, she is passionate about engaging with people from different backgrounds and exploring new ideas. Her work and personal journey are guided by a commitment to advancing inclusive, responsible, and human-centred innovation, and to contributing to a better world.

Making AI accountable in cities — why governance matters as much as innovation

AI for cities is the subject of my current research, specifically how responsible innovation might be managed in urban settings. The policy and governance aspects of AI—how choices are made, how technologies are used, and how we make sure they serve the public interest—are of particular interest to me.  

What drew me to this topic was AI’s expanding influence in affecting everyday life, often in ways that individuals are not aware of. These technologies materialise in cities, impacting services, mobility, sustainability, and inclusivity. The challenge of making sure that innovation is not just effective but also moral, open, and equal inspires me. 

Rooted in identity, driven by curiosity: the personal journey behind the research

Outside of work, my identity and ideals are extremely vital to who I am. I am a Crimean Tatar—a representative of Ukrainian Indigenous people—and a proud Muslim, and these roots have a significant impact on how I perceive the world and interact with others. I just got the opportunity to travel to Mekkah with my parents and conduct my first Umrah, which was a deeply important and grounding experience for me.

I sincerely appreciate learning and finding new things, whether through travel, discourse, or firsthand experience. I enjoy meeting different people from different backgrounds, making connections, and remaining open to the world around me. I see beauty in diversity. To love diversity is to fall in love with the infinite forms life takes. It is to be endlessly curious, endlessly moved.

In many ways, what drives me—both personally and professionally—is a desire to contribute, even in tiny ways, to making the world a better place.

Stay informed about our developments, projects and research on smart cities with our bi-monthly newsletter – subscribe now!