Categories
Issue 3 Understanding Science

Program and Prejudice: On algorithmic bias

We rely on computers to make all sorts of decisions these days: computers can decide faster and better than humans, for the most part. Whether you swipe a card in a store, open up Netflix to take a look at its recommendations or search your computer for that one file you just can’t find, a computer takes a look at the data available, runs an algorithm and gives you a result. That data can be your account balance, past viewing activity or an index of your files, but it can be something much more important – and as we grow to trust computers to perform more and more tasks that humans have traditionally been doing, how can we make sure that they make the right decisions? And are they making good decisions right now? Or are they actually amplifying sexism and racism?

Categories
Issue 3 Science Shoutout

Quantum

“Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it.”

Niels Bohr (and others, with variation)
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Issue 3 News

Talk to us!

As part of our short summer break, instead of bringing you a shiny new story, we want to share some information on our S3 alumni survey. So strap on your seatbelts and get ready for some stats!

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Academic Life Issue 3 PhD Presenting Alumni

Nikolina Sostaric: “A PhD is not worth your (mental) health”

Hi, Nikolina, and welcome to our Presenting Alumni session. As it was time to talk to a PhD student, whom better to choose than a long-standing alumna. For those who don’t know, Nikolina has participated in the school five times, and this year would have been her sixth!

But before we dwell into more details, let’s get to know you…