Algorithmic Fairness in AI

Programme Description

With the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in various areas of our personal and social lives, it has become increasingly important to understand the implications of biases in algorithms, and how they can impact the fairness and accuracy of the decisions made by AI systems. This three-day training will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the impacts of biases in algorithms and how to implement AI systems in a fair and inclusive manner. The training will focus on the potential amplification of biases and discrimination in contexts mediated by technology such as policymaking, decision-making, and the workplace.

The course is structured around three pillars: ethics, technology, and regulation. First, participants will be introduced to the various existing approaches to discrimination and fairness. Based on this ethical-legal framework, they will then understand the basics of AI, identify the many ways in which bias can affect algorithms, and explore the risks and opportunities of AI systems in relation to discrimination. Lastly, participants will learn about the European perspective on the impact of AI in social systems, and discuss the main challenges of the current and future regulatory mechanisms.

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Learning methods

• Interactive sessions and group discussions with the instructors;
• Case studies based on actual examples of biased algorithms and their impact;
• Role-playing exercises to help participants understand the perspectives of different stakeholders and how they might be affected by biased algorithms;
• Peer-to-peer learning and project work. Individual or group projects, in which participants will apply the concepts learned during the seminar to real-world problems. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of AI, including how algorithms work, the types of biases that can exist in AI systems, and their implications in various contexts;
• Develop, explain, and communicate strategies and tools for promoting algorithmic fairness;
• Implement the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate biases in their own organisations;
• Identify best practices for implementing AI systems in a fair and inclusive manner, and develop strategies to preserve fairness and diversity in increasingly technology-mediated environments.

Who should attend

• Professionals from the public, private, and third sectors who are interested in developing an in-depth understanding of the main challenges posed by AI;
• Professionals from the public, private, and third sectors who are beginning to implement algorithmic systems in their work contexts or are already working with them;
• Public managers responsible for the development of regulatory proposals in local, national or regional administrations;
• Evaluators of existing laws and regulations.