Employees at the UK’s foremost institution for artificial intelligence and data science have conveyed deep reservations regarding the organization’s handling of diversity following the appointment of four male individuals to top positions.

A correspondence directed to the leaders of the Alan Turing Institute (ATI) expressed concern over the lack of diversity in the institute’s senior scientific leadership.

A document, endorsed by over 180 individuals, inquires about ATI’s adherence to their promise of diverse hiring and urges the organization to address any gender imbalance within its higher positions.

The letter, addressed to Jean Innes, Jonathan Atkins, and Prof Mark Girolami, the CEO, COO, and Chief Scientist of the institute respectively, stated that now is an opportune moment to consider if all voices are being heard and if the institute is truly upholding its pledge for inclusivity in our hiring and judgement processes.

In February, ATI announced the hiring of four male academics to hold key positions in sustainability, fundamental research, health, and defense and national security. The Guardian has seen a letter responding to this announcement, which mentions the recent appointment of two men as special advisers.

The letter stated that they do not intend to diminish the accomplishments of their respected colleagues, and they are eager to collaborate with them. Instead, their goal is to bring attention to a larger problem in their institute’s approach to diversity and inclusivity, specifically in scientific leadership positions, focusing specifically on gender diversity and inclusivity.

The people who sign a document asked ATI’s leaders about their process for selecting people, specifically how they worked to attract more people from underrepresented groups and if there was a fair mix of genders on the list of potential candidates. The written statement mentions ATI’s plan and strategy for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity, which aims to have strong representation and leadership in diversity efforts.

ATI released a report last year highlighting a pressing issue of gender inequality in AI funding. The report revealed that only 2% of AI startup deals over the last decade were led by female founders.

The scientific leadership team at ATI, as mentioned in the letter, comprises 6 women and 13 men, resulting in a gender split of approximately 32% female and 68% male. Out of the total 560 staff members at ATI, 53% are male and 47% are female.

The Tech Talent Charter, an industry group supported by the government, reported that 25% of senior technology workers in the UK are women. Additionally, the report stated that 14% of senior tech positions are held by individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The CEO of ATI stated that the partially government-funded organization is dedicated to increasing the representation of individuals from marginalized communities in the fields of AI and data science.

She stated that our appointments are determined through a fair and open competition and are based on merit. She also acknowledges the significant role of having a diverse leadership and welcomes discussions with our community on how we can make improvements. As the national organization for data science and AI, it is our pledge to increase the representation of marginalized groups in these fields.

Source: theguardian.com