Cambridge start-up secures £23m for its software-based approach to GPS
A Cambridge start-up has secured up to £23m of investment for its software-based approach to GPS positioning following a multi-round Series C funding round.
New study finds significant gender inequality among AI professionals depicted in key films
A new study has revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) professionals depicted in key films are almost exclusively men, a reality which, the study authors say, has created a new cultural stereotype that is likely contributing to the shortage of women in AI development.
According to the University of Cambridge research, just eight per cent of all AI professionals from 100 years of cinema are women – and half of these are shown as subordinate to men.
The study authors from the university’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (LCFI) added that without enough women building AI, there is a high risk of gender bias seeping into the algorithms set to define the future.
For the study, the Cambridge researchers whittled more than 1,400 films featuring AI between 1920 and 2020 to the 142 most influential, which included blockbusters such as Iron Man and Ex Machina. From these films, the researchers then identified 116 characters they deemed “AI professionals”. Of these individuals, 92% were men. In fact, there were just eight female scientists and one female CEO depicted in all of the movies.
“Gender inequality in the AI industry is systemic and pervasive,” said co-author Dr Kanta Dihal from LCFI at Cambridge.
“Mainstream films are an enormously influential source and amplifier of the cultural stereotypes that help dictate who is suited to a career in AI.”
"We need to be careful that these cultural stereotypes do not become a self-fulfilling prophecy as we enter the age of artificial intelligence,” said Dihal.
The study is published in the journal Public Understanding of Science. There is also an accompanying report published on the LCFI website.
Looking for your next technology, science or engineering role? Maybe you’re just starting out in your career? Polytec is here to help you find the perfect position for you. Browse our current vacancies now >>> https://www.polytec.co.uk/jobs/
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
South Cambridgeshire Council to trial 4-day working week in UK first
A Cambridgeshire council is poised to become the first local authority in the UK to trial a 4-day working week.
Cambridge scientists grow ‘synthetic’ embryo with brain and beating heart
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have successfully created model embryos from mouse stem cells which have a brain and a beating heart, as well as all the foundations for other bodily organs.
Cambridge scientists make clean fuel from ‘artificial leaves’
A team of scientists from Cambridge has developed floating "artificial leaves" which generate clean fuels from sunlight and water.
Mindful employees less likely to quit, study finds
Employees who practise mindfulness are less likely to be bored at work and less likely to quit their jobs, a new study has found.
Amazon to create 4,000 new UK jobs this year
Online retail giant Amazon has announced that it plans to create 4,000 new UK jobs this year, despite the tech industry’s downturn.
Cambridge named most ‘AI-ready city’ in new report
Cambridge is the most “AI-ready city” in the UK, new research from a leading AI and analytics specialist has revealed.
Cambridge University EV charging spin-out raises £50m to lead the future of sustainable energy storage
A University of Cambridge electric vehicle (EV) charging spinout has secured £50m in funding to help it build a UK manufacturing plant.
Cambridgeshire data centre campus takes huge step forward with funding deal
A new 700,000 sq. ft. data centre campus in Cambridgeshire has taken a huge step towards becoming a reality after the site’s owners agreed a new funding package.
Cambridge students reach science and engineering final with robotic seed planter
A group of students from Cambridge have made their way to the finals of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition, with their robotic seed planter.
10 companies to test next generation cybersecurity technologies from the University of Cambridge and Arm
Ten companies from across the UK have been given the opportunity to trial potentially game-changing prototype cybersecurity technology as part of a Digital Catapult initiative.
Cambridge scientists develop robot chef that can cook and check seasoning
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a robot chef that can not only cook food, but also taste test its creations to check if they hit the mark.