Won award for diversity in AI

“AI systems increasingly affect people’s lives. If the data, assumptions, design processes, and governance structures behind these systems reflect only a narrow set of experiences, AI can reproduce or amplify existing inequalities. Diversity touches on which social groups are visible in datasets, which forms of knowledge count, which harms are anticipated, and whose needs are prioritized. Diversity is central to building AI that is trustworthy, useful, and beneficial for society,” says Christoph Lutz, Professor at the Department of Culture and Communication at BI Norwegian Business School.

The Award for Diversity in AI is given out by the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium (NORA), a collaboration between 8 universities, 5 university colleges, and 4 research institutes within AI. It recognizes an individual affiliated with a Norwegian institution who has been active and at the forefront of shedding light on gender issues in AI, or other forms of discrimination such as age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and related dimensions.

“As a business school, we recognize that artificial intelligence is far more than an engine for efficiency; it is a profound societal force that requires rigorous, critical oversight to prevent the perpetuation of systemic biases. Beyond elevating BI’s profile within the broader scientific community, Christoph's success serves as an inspiring reminder to our faculty, students and partners that responsible governance and inclusivity are indispensable pillars in the age of AI,” says Head of the Department Culture and Communication, Professor Sut I Wong.

“AI is often discussed as a technical or economic development, but it is also deeply social. The award means a lot because it comes from NORA and the Norwegian AI research community. Norway has a strong and growing AI ecosystem, and I see diversity and inclusion as central to ensuring that this ecosystem develops in a socially responsible direction. I am grateful to NORA for highlighting this dimension of AI research and to my colleagues at BI, especially the Department of Communication and Culture for supporting work at the intersection of technology, society, ethics and inequality,” says Lutz.