Field: Artificial Intelligence

Position & Organization: AI Ethics Global Leader and Distinguished Research Staff Member, IBM Research

How did you get started in this field? I started working in AI while working on my master thesis, in 1986. I was (and still am) fascinated by trying to model human-like problem solving and intelligence into machines.

What do you like about your work? I love to work with many interesting people (both in AI and in other disciplines), to address fundamental problems, and to feel that I am contributing to building the future.

What do you not like about your work? I wish I had more time to keep up with all the interesting significant innovations on which to build upon. The exponential increase in AI research, policies, and governance initiatives makes it a challenge to have a holistic view of the AI landscape, which is necessary to give specific contributions that can significantly advance the whole vision of our future with AI.

Do you have any advice for women who want to enter this field? My advice to women is to believe in what they are and what they are passionate about, to behave according to their values and attitudes without trying to mimic anybody else, and to be fully aware that their contribution is essential for advancing AI in the most inclusive, fair, and responsible way.

What makes you hopeful for the future? I am hopeful for the future because I see an increasing desire to break silos and adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach. I believe this is fundamental to bring us to a future where technology like AI supports and enhance human flourishing and planet sustainability.