Internship | Communication about Fairness in Artificial Intelligence

Introduction
The rapid growth of the international Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector has increased the need for AI experts to identify and address bias and discrimination in algorithms. DIVERSIFAIR, a project funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, aims to mitigate the discriminatory impact of AI on people’s lives. We look further than bias metrics, and examine the power structures in society and how they influence AI algorithms. Our multi-disciplinary and multi-facted approach to discrimination is in the literature also referred to as the lens of “intersectionality”.

In this project we have gathered the recommendations present in AI literature. We aim to present them in an informative and understandable way to people working with AI such that they can incorporate them in their work. The challenge is to translate the findings and recommendations in academic papers to a more accessible format.

What you will be doing
The aim of this student project is to create a website to communicate the recommendations on how to make intersectionally fair AI to AI experts.

To reach this goal you will read academic literature, popular science texts, listen to podcasts and watch videos on intersectional fairness in AI. Together we will select which of these sources are applicable for our purposes. You will use the information to create content that clearly presents the recommendations to our audience. This will probably include summarizing and highlighting key aspects of the information in the media. Your task will be to create this website by writing the necessary texts and making the visual design. There is space for creativity on how to present the information to the audience on the website.

We are looking for a student who is passionate about societal fairness and equality. We expect this student to be eager and willing to learn about new topics and bring creative ideas. This student should be able to work independently and be comfortable working in a team. Good proficiency in the English language is required as the resulting product should be written in English.

• You are a Master’s student pursuing a relevant degree such as Science Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Society, Gender Studies or a related discipline
• You have a strong interest and passion for societal fairness, diversity, equity and inclusion and bias in AI
• You have knowledge about or interest in learning more about Artificial Intelligence fairness and bias
• Preferably experience in writing informational texts for the general public
• You are available for 3 to 6 months between now and May 2025

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.