Mission statement

At the I-X Women in Artificial Intelligence (IX-WAI) network, we are dedicated to empowering women, non-binary people and other gender-discriminated groups* in the field of artificial intelligence. IX-WAI aims to create a supportive and inclusive network that champions career advancement, addresses challenges, and fosters connections across all career stages. Our mission is to enhance representation of women in AI and foster an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential. We intend to address these by:

  • Inviting speakers to spotlight women’s achievements and their career journey in the ‘Cutting-Edge Overviews & Tutorials’ and the ‘AI: Ethics and Diversity’ I-X seminar series;
  • Hosting workshops and round panels to offer platforms for discussion on issues related to improving the work culture;
  • Creating and showcasing an inclusive work culture that encourages other women to join the community;
  • Providing opportunities for mentorship, learning, and collaboration.

Our monthly meetings are open to all women of I-X, aimed at devising strategies for future initiatives and ensuring our actions align with our core belief: that every woman in AI deserves a supportive community. By increasing visibility and advocating for women’s voices in AI, we strive to correct the underrepresentation and build a future where diversity drives innovation. The IX-WAI network is a movement towards a more equitable, dynamic, and inclusive AI landscape within I-X, Imperial and the AI field.

* For readability, we will refer to all of these groups as “women” in the following text. 

IX-WAI Early Career Development Grant

The I-X Women in AI network (IX-WAI) provides Early Career Development grants (up to £300*) specifically for women and non-binary individuals engaged in AI or wanting to enter the field. These grants are intended to support conference attendance, training, and other professional development opportunities. This initiative is part of our commitment to providing additional support for women in AI.

* In exceptional circumstances the panel may award more than £300 but this would require additional robust justification.

The Call for the Third Round is now open. The deadline: 30 April 2025. Please see below for more information. 

For any inquiries regarding the grant, please contact g.vera-gonzalez18@imperial.ac.uk. Please note that questions already addressed on the website will not receive a response.

Applications Guideline

Upcoming Event

The list of upcoming events organised and/or supported by IX-WAI:

  • POSTPONED [a new date tbc]: AI: Ethics & Diversity Seminar Series with Professor Julie Weeds 

Past Events

I-X WAI Committee

  • Eileen Boyce

    Personal details

    Eileen Boyce Manager of I-X Centre for AI in Science

  • Tracy Bussoli

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    Tracy Bussoli Professional Development Consultant for AI in Science Fellows

  • Gema Vera-Gonzalez

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    Gema Vera-Gonzalez Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow & Co-Director

  • Laura Helleckes

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    Laura Helleckes Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Elli Heyes

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    Elli Heyes Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Austin Mroz

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    Austin Mroz Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Mili Ostojic

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    Mili Ostojic Postgraduate Researcher (Life Sciences & I-X)

  • Sara Veneziale

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    Sara Veneziale Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow

  • Wiktoria Tunska

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    Wiktoria Tunska I-X Communications and Events Manager

Get in touch

For general enquiries, please contact:

Alternatively, email: