The groundbreaking “KeepA(n)I – A Methodological Approach for Identifying Social Stereotypes in Artificial Intelligence Applications” project, funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) under grant EXCELLENCE/0421/0360, has successfully concluded on June 30, 2024. The projet was implemented by the Fairness and Ethics in AI – Human Interaction Group (fAIre) of CYENS Centre of Excellence, which is headed by DrJahna Otterbacher, Associate Professor at the Open University of Cyprus (OUC) and head of the Cyprus Center for Algorithmic Transparency (CyCAT) at the OUC. This innovative project developed a cutting-edge methodology and platform designed to detect the presence of social stereotypes in AI behaviors, with a particular focus on computer vision and image analysis.
The KeepA(n)I project addressed a critical challenge in the field of artificial intelligence: the unintended perpetuation of social biases through AI systems. By creating a robust framework for identifying these biases, KeepA(n)I paves the way for more equitable and fair AI applications.
On July 22, 2024, key team members, including Dr. Evgenia Christoforou (Project Coordinator, OUC Adjunct Tutor, and Researcher at the fAIRe MRG at CYENS CoE), Dr. Jahna Otterbacher (OUC Associate Professor, Director of OUC-CyCAT, and Co-Leader of the fAIRe MRG at CYENS CoE), and Dr. Nicolas Nicolaou (Co-Founder and Senior Algorithm Engineer at Algolysis Ltd.), presented the prototype platform to an audience of key stakeholders. This presentation highlighted the innovative research and development efforts that underpin the platform's design, demonstrating its potential impact on the future of AI technology.
Dr. Otterbacher emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: "The success of KeepA(n)I is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team. By combining our strengths in AI, computer vision, and social sciences, we have created a platform that addresses one of the most pressing issues in AI today”.