April 8, 2026 | 12:30 - 2:00 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
*Lunchtime talk*
Mary Saunders in conversation with Debra Miller Glass, PhD
As artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and other innovations rapidly advance, global standards - rather than binding regulations - are increasingly shaping how these tools are developed, governed, and deployed.
Join IIS for a conversation with Mary Saunders, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Relations at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), on the evolving landscape of international standards-setting for emerging technologies. Mary will explore the role of international standards in guiding safe and responsible technological development, the implications of a more deregulated future for the United States, and the growing importance of “techplomacy” in global governance.
About Mary Saunders: As SVP of ANSI, Mary serves as ANSI's spokesperson and liaison to federal, state, and local government agencies and to Congress and congressional staff. She leads efforts to develop and advance the Institute’s positions and policies at all levels of government. Prior to joining ANSI, she was the associate director for management resources for the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
About Debra Miller Glass: Mary will speak in conversation with Debra Miller Glass, PhD. Debra is an IIS Senior Fellow, political scientist, and public policy professional with expertise on U.S. economic policy, trade policy and negotiation, direct foreign investment, and intellectual property rights protection. Debra has experience at the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Department of Commerce, and the Department of State.
