Diversity and inclusion are a top priority at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. Therefore, the scientists are regularly committed to putting these topics on the agenda and actively contributing to making the scientific community more diverse. These efforts include the co-organisation of the Women in Computer Vision (WiCV) workshop and the Diversity and Inclusion for Everyone event.
"Women in Computer Vision Workshop"
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology PhD student and employee Vanessa Staderini co-organised the WiCV workshop, which took place as part of the Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition conference in Seattle on June 18, 2024. The workshop included presentations and panel discussions by and with scientists from different backgrounds, followed by a mentoring dinner. The aim of the workshop is to
- raise the profile of female researchers in the field of computer vision,
- give young female scientists the opportunity to present their work,
- as well as to facilitate the exchange of experiences and career counselling for female students and professionals.
The workshop and the subsequent mentoring dinner were sponsored by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (Gender and Diversity Office and Centre for Vision, Automation & Control). More information about women in image processing can be found here.
"Social Event: Diversity and Inclusion for Everyone"
Networking events were also organised as part of the CVPR 2024 conference. Vanessa Staderini joined forces with colleagues from various communities - including Latins in AI (LXAI) and AI4ALL - to organise an event on the topics of diversity and inclusion where people from Queer in AI, WiCV, LXAI and AI4ALL animated a panel. Under the title Diversity and Inclusion for Everyone (Social DEI for Everyone), a space was created to explore the meaning and importance of inclusion and belonging in the scientific community of image processing. The aim was to identify and break down barriers and prejudices. Through interactive discussions, mentorship and networking, they worked together to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all.
We would like to thank Vanessa Staderini and her colleagues for their commitment and look forward to further exciting initiatives!