New models, new ways of conceiving AI that correct for historic inequities and bring social programs + policy for the 21st century.
The Alliance
Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms partners Tecnologico de Costa Rica (Alajuela), Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico City), Women@theTable (Geneva), Jordan Open Source Association (Amman), and Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok), generously supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), launched the following Call for Expressions of Interest as part of the fr feminist AI research network.
This three-year initiative will create new algorithmic and social science models that enhance social science and machine learning disciplines to intersect with core public policy agendas in the Global South. Feminist AI‘s goal is Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Decision-Making that transforms – harnessed to deliver equality outcomes; designed with inclusion at the core; creating new opportunities & proactive, innovative correction of inequities. Affirmative Action for Algorithms () are needed in order to correct real-life bias and barriers that prevent women, girls, and all traditionally marginalized groups from achieving full participation and rights in the present, and in the future, we invent.
Call for Expressions of Interest
Since April 3, to interdisciplinary researchers, activists, and organizations in South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Phase 1 Expressions of Interest Deadline: 29 May, 2022
For innovative research teams with concepts to create new AI models or methodologies for inclusive social policy, and delivery of equitable systems (economic, social, legal, and or technical algorithmic decision-making) to redress and transform historical inequalities.
Led by the Alliance, a network of technologists, academics & activists working to ensure new algorithmic systems do not embed an already biased system into our collective futures, and to explore new models to correct for historic inequity the project will:
- call for expressions of interest (current – Phase 1)
- develop a new model for publication as a research paper (Phase 2)
- prototype (Phase 3)
- pilot (Phase 4) applied feminist AI research and solutions to ensure that technology is co-created with problem definition and solution design of communities affected, and meets or exceeds the needs of the historically marginalized or vulnerable, especially women and girls.
As part of our feminist AI research network fr – we are creating new community rooted models & systems for feminist AI that are have been conceived by and developed in the Global South, by the Global South, for the Global South.
Systemic gender, racial and intersectional bias sits at the core of current Artificial Intelligence & Algorithmic Decision-Making processes born in the North, replicated in the South. Combatting and correcting this wired bias and discrimination is urgent in order that the pro-social capabilities of Artificial Intelligence & Algorithmic Decision-Making can be activated.
Our mission is focused on the collective goal of “Decolonized AI Futures” necessary to develop a proactive agenda across the Global South to create technology that ensures no one is left behind, and we all thrive. Individuals, especially women, of the Global South, Black, Indigenous and People of Color have traditionally been excluded from conversations, development and deployment of AI systems. Feminist AI that embraces principles of dismantling bias, intersectionality, accountability, and inclusive, responsible, transparent use of power in social systems and algorithms is one of the best ways to conceive a Decolonial AI Future.
Key Dates
3 April: Launch of the call for Expression of Interest
24 April: Deadline for questions
9 May: Answers to questions posted
29 May: Deadline for Expressions of Interest
29 May – 20 June: Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by A+ Global Leadership. Eligible teams will receive mentorship & support to develop proposals to be assessed by the Scientific Advisory Committee for funding
21 June: Eligible teams will be notified
FULL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE
Send your questions to info(at)aplusalliance(dot)org