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About

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now an integral part of our daily lives, influencing our online searches, social media interactions, and even credit card transactions. At the Knowledge Media Institute (KMi), much of our research is dedicated to social good, particularly examining the implications of AI concerning Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This focus makes AI4EDI—a research group that addresses EDI-related issues—a vital theme across our diverse research efforts

AI4EDI aims to tackle educational awarding gaps affecting certain minorities and investigates issues such as racial bias in AI and machine learning systems. We recognise that AI has the potential to be a force for good; for instance, OU Analyse employs machine learning to identify students at risk of failing. However, given the widespread use of this technology, it is crucial to understand its potential positive and negative impacts on all users. Within AI4EDI, we will address EDI-related issues in AI research and innovation, particularly how AI can help mitigate challenges such as the awarding gap for Black students and biases present in data and decision-making processes. Here, we present the activities, outcomes, and impacts of our research in AI4EDI, serving as a central focus for this critical theme.

Related Projects

The AI projects listed contain aspects related to EDI and highlight how we emphasise EDI within our ethical research approach.

AI Digital Assistant (AIDA) Logo

AI Digital Assistant (AIDA)

A 24/7 personal AI Assistant for every student.
Funded by the Innovation Foundry and in collaboration with colleagues across the OU including IET, OpenLearn and IT this project aims to use Generative AI to build a 24/7 personal digital assistant for students.

AIDA will be able to explain and re-explain tricky concepts and instantaneously generate and give feedback on quizzes on student demand.

CORE  Logo

CORE

CORE hosts the world’s largest collection of open access research, benefiting researchers, libraries, funders, and institutions globally. Its services enable text mining, business intelligence, compliance monitoring, and research analytics, supporting diverse use cases and making CORE a valuable infrastructure for the research community.

FairAI4EdTech Logo

FairAI4EdTech

Our project aims to enhance fairness in UK Higher Education by addressing bias in AI-driven learning analytics. Building on the Open University's OUAnalyse system, it will create a framework of best practices and compliance for fair and responsible AI. Collaborating with regulatory bodies, the project supports ethical AI in line with UK regulations.

See all Projects

People

The AI4EDI Team are KMi staff and students who have a passion for making societal impact through our collective AI research and EDI as a core principle for society. As such we are very happy that we are able to bring this two areas together.

Photo of Joseph Kwarteng

Joseph Kwarteng

Photo of Tracie Farrell

Tracie Farrell

Photo of Retno Larasati

Retno Larasati

Photo of Harith Alani

Harith Alani

Photo of Paula Reyero Lobo

Paula Reyero Lobo

Photo of Vaclav Bayer

Vaclav Bayer

See the Full Team

News

Discover more about the latest developments, breakthroughs, and insights from our project. Our news section will serve as a dynamic hub, providing regular updates on our efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through artificial intelligence research.

Shifting Power: Launching our UKRI FLF Project on AI and Justice

Shifting Power: Launching our UKRI FLF Project on AI and Justice

Shifting Power: Launching our UKRI FLF Project on AI and Justice

CONTACT US

Knowledge Media Institute
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1908 653800

Fax: +44 (0)1908 653169

Email: KMi Support

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Email: Digital Development Services