Diversity and non-discrimination

Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI is committed to promoting diversity and equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations. Our goal is to offer everyone an inclusive and non-discriminating working environment where people of all genders, positions, and backgrounds are treated equally.

We acknowledge that especially gender imbalance is a global problem in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence, the main issue being how to make the field more attractive to women, and girls early on.

To overcome this, FCAI has established the following practices:

RECRUITMENT

FCAI seeks to advertise open positions in venues where it is likely to reach wider female audience (e.g through WiML) and adheres to the policy of favoring the minority candidates in case of similar qualifications. Moreover, people involved in the recruitment decisions are actively encouraged to learn and become aware of unconscious bias that can disfavor female and minority applicants in recruitment processes.

EDUCATION AND MENTORING

FCAI is preparing to produce AI-related materials for schools and club activities for children, with particular attention to attracting girls. Through Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, FCAI is promoting computer science to women, e.g., taking part in the Super-Ada campaign, which aims to inspire young women to embark on careers in data science. Moreover, FCAI supports and informs about university initiatives that foster inclusive and diverse working and studying environment, e.g. monthly mentoring and diversity meetings organized in Aalto University Computer Science department.

OUTREACH

FCAI aspires to increase the number of female speakers in its events and promotes female scientist e.g. when communicating on research results.

FCAI has nominated an equal opportunities officer to ensure that connections are made and cooperation is ongoing and fostered with networks of female scientists in the field, e.g., Women in Machine Learning (WiML) and Women in Data Science (WiDS). Moreover, the equal opportunities officer provides a low-threshold contact point to discuss any equality, diversity and non-discrimination issues.

FCAI host-organizations’equality policies:

FCAI adheres to the host-organizations’ principles in promotion of diversity and non-discrimination.

• Aalto University:

  • https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/equality

  • https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/practical-tips-for-fostering-diversity

• University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/responsibility-and-sustainability/equality-diversity-and-accessibility

• VTT: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/news-and-ideas/also-vtt-commits-equal-30-campaign-promote-equality-energy-sector

Links to other relevant organizations and initiatives:

Aalto University

• Color of science

• Making Waves

• Mentoring & Diversity talks (internal events)

• School of Science Diversity and Inclusivity Fund

• Student organizations

  • Aalto Community of African Students

  • Chinese Students & Scholars Association at Aalto University

  • GAYY

  • Religious organizations

  • Women of Aalto

University of Helsinki

• Helsinki Association of Women Researchers

• Kumpula Campus Women in Science

• Kumpula LGBTQ+

• University of Helsinki Computer Science women

• Student organizations

  • Helsinki Queer Students

  • Kumpula Science International

  • Students of Colour

  • Religious organizations

Finland

• Diversity in Physics

• Mimmit koodaa (Women code)

• Women in Data Science Helsinki chapter

• Women in Tech

Globally

• Black in AI

• {Dis}Abilities in AI

• Queer in AI

• Women in AI Ethics

• Women in Data Science

• Women in Machine Learning

• Women in Machine Learning and Data Science