RSK Biocensus was honored to take part in the 44th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA25), which took place from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Bologna Congress Center in Italy. This year’s conference theme, ‘Impact Assessment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,’ united prominent thinkers, environmental specialists, and AI pioneers globally to discuss the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on the impact assessment (IA) sector.
As part of the RSK Group, RSK Biocensus contributes leading ecological consultancy expertise to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. At IAIA25, our team engaged in discussions on how emerging AI technologies can enhance environmental decision-making, streamline data analysis, and improve predictive modelling across complex ecosystems.
Simon Boulter, Technical Director at RSK Biocensus, shared his personal reflections on his first IAIA conference:
“I’ve been blown away by the quality of the speakers and the diversity of the topics covered. From wetland restoration in Benin to detecting invasive species in English woodlands and even underwater timber harvesting in French Guiana—there have been so many fascinating discussions. It’s been fantastic to catch up with colleagues and make new connections, and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to broaden my horizons by attending interdisciplinary sessions. A personal highlight was chairing the IAIA Biodiversity Section meeting, where there were great discussions and ideas for future action.”
The conference also provided a platform to explore the positive potential of AI in impact assessment, especially in terms of enhancing data capture and review efficiencies. Presentations covered a broad range of topics, from ecological restoration to invasive species management, highlighting the global scope and relevance of the conference themes.
Simon said, “As ecological consultants, it’s vital that we stay at the forefront of technological developments, ensuring that innovation serves not only efficiency but also biodiversity and sustainability.”
RSK Biocensus looks forward to continuing its work at the intersection of technology and ecology, contributing to a future where AI empowers practitioners to make better, more informed decisions for people and the planet.