Faglige nøgleord: Legal Compliance, Process Mining, Process Science, Formal Methods, Requirements of Engineering, Rules, Regulations, Goals, Multi-Agent Systems
Oplæg tilgængeligt på: Engelsk og spansk
What is your research area and/or research project all about?
Organizations achieve their goals by following a series of steps, known as processes. These processes must follow guidelines, which can be voluntary or mandatory. When the steps align with mandatory guidelines, the process is considered compliant. If not, companies must take corrective actions to address the issues that led to non-compliance.
However, aligning processes with guidelines is not always simple. Guidelines often use vague language, such as “appropriate measures” or “reasonable time,” which leaves room for interpretation. Processes, on the other hand, define the specific actions needed to comply. While breaking down these open terms into clear tasks helps define processes, the reasons behind selecting those tasks are often unclear to those not directly involved.
Making these interpretations explicit can improve the traceability of compliance decisions. It helps show how the organization satisfies the rules during compliance assessments.
To support organizations in understanding and proving their compliance, we developed a structured way to connect rules with the actions taken. Our approach allows organizations to check compliance at three stages: when designing processes, while running them, and after completion. This makes it easier to detect and fix problems early.
We also aim to ensure that the meaning of legal terms is clear to everyone involved. Our system explains how each action supports a specific rule, making decision-making more transparent. As a result, organizations not only know what they must do but also understand why they must do it.
By combining clear goals, detailed steps, and explanations, our approach helps organizations comply with legal requirements in a way that is easy to check and explain. It provides companies with a tool to show they have acted responsibly, reducing misunderstandings and making processes fairer and more predictable.
What is your sustainability angle, i.e. how is your research relevant to society?
My research contributes to sustainability by improving the way organizations understand and meet legal and regulatory requirements. By providing structured methods to connect legal rules with operational processes, the work promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability in decision-making. This directly supports the creation of just and effective institutions, aligning with the goals of peace, justice, and strong institutions (Sustainable Development Goal 16).
Additionally, by offering tools that help organizations detect and address compliance issues early, the research fosters innovation in digital governance systems (Sustainable Development Goal 9). It reduces the risk of costly legal disputes and promotes responsible, traceable, and explainable practices in automated decision-making. The ultimate aim is to create systems that not only comply with laws but also earn the trust of stakeholders and the wider public, thus supporting long-term social and institutional resilience.
How did you become a PhD student at DTU and what happened in your life from when you were in high school and until now?
I grew up in Colombia and attended high school in a small town called Honda. I studied in public schools my whole life because my family could not afford private education. However, I always believed that education was essential for becoming someone and making a difference. Especially in a developing country like Colombia, education is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve our lives.
I decided to apply for a scholarship to pursue my bachelor’s degree and was fortunate to receive full funding for four years. Later, I earned two more scholarships, which allowed me to complete two master’s degrees, one in Artificial Intelligence and the other in Industrial Engineering.
Along the way, I worked as a consultant in industry for four years. Eventually, I realized I wanted to explore something new, so I applied for a PhD position in Denmark. I was very excited because the topic was something I had always been interested in but never had the opportunity to explore.
It has now been almost a year and a half since I started my PhD, and it has been an incredible journey. I have gained not only technical skills but also personal growth. I have learned how to overcome challenges, believe in my abilities, and face any hurdles with confidence.