The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is an ever-evolving discipline that thrives on innovation and diverse perspectives. Unfortunately, this field has often been male-dominated, leading to the underrepresentation of women and their groundbreaking contributions. To change the narrative, TechCrunch is initiating a series focused on extraordinary women shaping the AI landscape. In this blog post, we take a closer look at Emilia Gómez, an influential figure in the AI domain, who began her journey in the melodious world of music.

From Music to Machine Learning

Emilia Gómez is currently a principal investigator at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, where she plays a critical role as the scientific coordinator of AI Watch—a remarkable initiative dedicated to monitoring the advancement and impact of AI in Europe. What makes Gómez unique is her grounding in computational music, where she rigorously explores the intersection of AI and human emotions. Her work emphasizes understanding how humans describe music and how these descriptions can be modeled using AI technologies.

Gómez’s initial foray into AI was through the lens of music. She developed advanced algorithms capable of interpreting music audio signals based on melody, tonality, emotion, and similarity. This transformative approach allowed for applications across music platforms, educational resources, and even therapeutic settings, setting the foundation for her subsequent research into the broader implications of AI on human behavior.

Challenges and Triumphs in a Male-Dominated Environment

Gómez’s journey through a field often characterized by male dominance hasn’t been without its challenges. Yet, she embraces this environment, navigating it with determination and humor. “I try to avoid frustration and have fun in this challenging scenario,” she says. For women looking to break into AI, her message is clear: their diversity of visions is urgently needed in the field. According to her observations, as highlighted by the divinAI project, female representation remains alarmingly low, with only 23% of authors at significant AI conferences being women.

• Create inclusive space: It’s essential for women to seek out mentors and allies who advocate for diversity in AI.
• Engagement with community: Participating in initiatives that promote mentoring can help reclaim visibility and support for women in this sector.

Shaping AI Policies for a Better Tomorrow

In her current capacity at the European Commission, Gómez is making strides in shaping AI policies that aim to promote trust and responsibility in AI development. Her contributions to the recently proposed AI Act exemplify her commitment to ensuring that technological innovation aligns with ethical standards, emphasizing fairness and transparency. By working on harmonizing legal terminology with technical standards, she continues to play a pivotal role in fostering a responsible AI ecosystem.

Gómez also leads research focused on evaluating the implications of AI technologies. She advocates for a stronger emphasis on impact assessment, arguing that as AI capabilities advance, so too must the frameworks for evaluating their effectiveness and ethical ramifications.

The Future of AI and Women’s Role in It

As we look to the future, Gómez stresses the importance of addressing pressing AI issues, including bias in algorithms and the transparency of AI tools used by the public. AI users must understand that while AI brings about considerable advancements, it is ultimately a product of human intelligence. Gaining awareness of how AI operates empowers users to differentiate between trustworthy and questionable AI solutions.

By emphasizing responsible AI development, Gómez envisions a future where algorithms are built with fundamental rights and social well-being in mind. The underlying philosophy of the AI Act embodies this vision, setting a global standard for what it means to develop trustworthy AI that safeguards citizens’ rights while fostering innovation.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

Emilia Gómez embodies the essence of a pioneer in AI, demonstrating that the fields of music and technology can intertwine to create impactful solutions for pressing societal needs. Her journey inspires both upcoming female professionals in AI and the broader community to embrace diversity in perspectives and ideas, reinforcing the notion that innovation thrives in inclusive environments.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.