More women and people from underrepresented backgrounds should consider joining the AI and data science field, where they are much needed, despite the sector’s current lack of diversity, researchers have said.

During a talk at the University of Roehampton, Sayed Talebi, senior data researcher at Imperial College London, and Georgia Markou, Senior Student Success Officer at The Brilliant Club, noted that only 20% of people working on AI and data science across the largest online global data platforms are women, and less than 3% are women of colour, according to figures from a study of the Alan Turing Institute.

The main reason for the lack of diversity is the poor quality of working conditions for women and minorities in the data and cybersecurity sphere, the experts said during the event, part of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ Career Development Week.

Marcou insisted that the data sector needs more women to join, as they could help shape its social and cultural impact. As an example, she reminded the audience that “women are 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident because car safety systems, such as airbags, have predominantly been designed with male data in mind”.

Despite the lack of diversity highlighted by the Alan Turing Institute’s study, DrTalebi stressed that people from underrepresented backgrounds should still consider entering the field. “To start working in data science you do not necessarily need a PhD or Diploma. Vast courses and educational programs are available throughout different online platforms provided by research institutes, including the Alan Turing Institute.” 

He added: “Transferable skills such as clear communication or problem solving can help you be successful in this profession.”