Fully-Funded PhD Studentship: The Centre for Protecting Women Online at The Open University invites applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship in Responsible AI and Technology for Safer Online Spaces for Women. This research opportunity aims to address the challenges women and girls face in digital spaces due to biases and risks perpetuated by existing AI systems, while advocating for responsible and inclusive AI interventions.
Summary
- Project Title: Responsible AI and Technology for Safer Online Spaces for Women
- Designation: Fully-Funded PhD Studentship
- Location: The Open University, UK
- Eligibility/Qualification: Master’s degree in AI, Data Science, or related fields; Interest in gender studies recommended.
- Application Deadline: 3 February 2025, 09:00 (GMT)
Table: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Responsible AI and Technology for Safer Online Spaces for Women |
| Designation | Fully-funded PhD Studentship |
| Research Areas | Artificial Intelligence, Responsible AI, Gender Studies, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Social Justice |
| Location | The Open University, UK |
| Supervisors | Professor Miriam Fernandez, Professor Arosha Bandara, Dr Min Zhang, Ángel Pavon-Perez |
| Funding | Tuition fees + annual stipend (~£19,237 per annum) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Research Support Grant | Covers research-related costs including fieldwork and conferences |
| Deadline to Apply | 3 February 2025, 09:00 (GMT) |
| How to Apply Submission | Email application materials to protecting-women-online@open.ac.uk |
Research Areas
The PhD project will adopt an intersectional feminist lens, focusing on the ethical and societal impact of AI technologies. Key research areas include:
- Gendered Impacts of AI: Analyzing existing AI algorithms like content moderation or recommendation systems and how they may unintentionally perpetuate online harassment.
- Detecting and Addressing Harms: Exploring AI solutions’ effectiveness in identifying harmful behaviors such as cyberstalking, harassment, or intimate image abuse.
- Preventative AI Approaches: Designing AI approaches to curtail hate speech or deepfake content targeting women.
- Intersectional Analysis of AI: Exploring how demographic factors like race or age amplify risks for women in digital spaces.
- Co-Creative Methodologies: Engaging with women’s advocacy groups and technologists to create user-centered frameworks for safer online platforms.
- Responsible AI Design: Developing explainable and ethical AI technologies tailored to address harassment toward women.
- Guidelines for Responsible AI: Creating recommendations to guide online platforms in fostering safer environments for women.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in fields like AI, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Software Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
- Highlight a strong interest in gender studies and responsible technology development.
- Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods is desirable.
- Experience in feminist and intersectional research is advantageous.
- For international applicants, a valid IELTS Academic Exam certificate with a minimum score of 6.5 overall is required.
Description of the Role
Funded by a £7.7m grant from Research England, this PhD opportunity belongs to a broader interdisciplinary effort to improve online safety for women through the Centre for Protecting Women Online. The successful candidate will:
- Be part of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).
- Collaborate within the Responsible AI/Technology work streams of the research center.
- Participate in developing original research, co-creative methodologies, and actionable guidelines for responsible AI.
- Gain support for attending research training, fieldwork, and conferences.
Supervisors include a distinguished group of experts: Professor Miriam Fernandez, Professor Arosha Bandara, Dr Min Zhang, and Ángel Pavon-Perez, providing mentorship in Responsible AI, Software Engineering, and Human-Centric Technology.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents via email to protecting-women-online@open.ac.uk:
- Research Proposal: Between 1,000 and 2,000 words, detailing literature knowledge, methods, and your intended project approach.
- Cover Letter: Explaining your suitability for the project.
- Application Form: Fully completed.
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts relevant to your qualifications.
- IELTS Certificate (if applicable): Minimum overall score of 6.5 (valid for two years).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Last Date for Application
The deadline for submitting the application is 3 February 2025, 09:00 (GMT). Interviews—including a 10-minute proposal presentation and a 45-minute Q&A session—will form part of the selection process.
This PhD position represents an incredible opportunity to contribute to impactful research and the pursuit of safer digital environments for women.
