This week, DeepMind welcomed its largest and most diverse group of scholars. They are excited to reflect on the journey so far, share more about the future of the DeepMind scholarships, and welcome more universities from around the world into the program.
The scholarship program was established in 2017 to build a stronger and more inclusive AI community. It aims to provide financial support to students from underrepresented groups who want to study graduate courses related to AI. In addition to financial assistance, each scholar is paired with a personal DeepMind mentor to support their goals and help them navigate academics.
Initially, the program supported eight scholars pursuing master’s degrees in the UK and the US. However, this year, over 50 scholars joined the 2020 cohort.
Expanding the reach of the scholarships is essential for increasing diversity in AI. Representation from various backgrounds is crucial for meaningful discussions about the design and deployment of AI. The program aims to support students who are underrepresented in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background. It also addresses the geographical imbalance in AI research, which is primarily concentrated in Europe, the US, and China, leaving out other regions and countries.
To address these gaps, DeepMind has expanded the program to offer scholarships in Bulgaria, Colombia, Greece, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and Turkey. They have also established new scholarships in Canada and France, while continuing to support scholars in the UK and the US. DeepMind is partnering with various universities worldwide to ensure students have access to education and mentorship opportunities.
Increasing regional participation in AI is a collective effort. Deep Learning Indaba, Khipu AI, and the Eastern European Machine Learning summer school are some initiatives actively working towards this goal. DeepMind hopes to complement these efforts by providing financial support and mentorship to students in underrepresented regions, contributing to regional hubs of excellence in AI.
Expanding access to education is just one step towards addressing the structural imbalances in AI. DeepMind acknowledges this, but believes it is an important contribution to nurturing talent and fostering diverse perspectives in the field.
As they reflect on the achievements of past and present scholars and welcome the new 2020 cohort, DeepMind looks towards the future. They hope to inspire others to pursue their AI career journeys and value their unique backgrounds. These diverse perspectives will strengthen and make the AI community more inclusive in the coming years.
If you’re interested in becoming a DeepMind scholar, you can find more information on their website. Stay tuned for announcements from universities offering DeepMind scholarships starting in 2021.