Bias²

Bias²: Using data science to uncover bias and addressing bias in data science

Launched in September 2020, the Bias² Program supports research, features speakers, and engages the data science community towards  using data science to uncover bias, and  understanding and combating the use of badly-conceived data science that can reinforce bias and inequity.  Bias² is one part of the HDSI’s larger efforts to address the structures in our field that reinforce bias and systemic racism.  

As part of this program, the HDSI:

• Launched the Bias² Seminar Series, monthly webinars featuring speakers who shed light on different types of bias through the use of data science, as well as speakers who raise concerns around problems with data, algorithms, and data-science methodology.  The schedule of speakers can be found on our events page and below.  
• Activate a $250,000 fund to support faculty-led efforts that use  data science to uncover bias and address bias in data science. Read about our four awards here.
• Expand HDSI’s summer Public Service Data Science Graduate Fellowships to support a total of three fellows in 2021, at least one of whom will be engaged in work that combats systemic racism. 

Further Reading:

• An Update on the HDSI’s Efforts to Combat Racism and Bias (August 2020)
• HDSI Anti-Racism Statement (June 2020)
• HDSI Postdoctoral Fellows Anti-Racism Statement (June 2020)

Past Seminars

• Recording: Ziad Obermeyer, UC Berkeley, May 6, 2021
• Recording: Desmond Patton & Kathy McKeown, Columbia University, March 25, 2021
• Recording: Rashida Richardson, Rutgers University / German Marshall Fund, February 25th, 2021
• Recording: Cynthia Rudin, Duke University, January 28th, 2021
• Nancy Krieger, Harvard University, December 17th, 2020
• Recording: Alexandra Chouldechova, Carnegie Mellon University, November 19th, 2020