Social impact

We are responsible and we hold power: how can we take action to serve society? I believe that research is not neutral and that researchers have a huge social responsibility. Assumption and values embedded in the technology we design and we need to assess them carefully. I advocate a research process that is aware, mindful of its power, and can be held accountable.

Responsible Futures. It’s time to re-imagine what it’s possible for and with society. As an academic, generating positive social impact and collaborating with social communities is of paramount importance and I have done that since the beginning. I believe that academics should join forces with society to be agents of change, on top of being drivers of scientific knowledge. Hence, I strive to include societal partners and citizens in my research as co-researchers, co-creators, and partners. Societal stakeholders have a different and often complementary expertise and perspective that needs to be heard and included. However, mere inclusion in the research and design process is not sufficient to guarantee positive outcomes. Reflexivity, assessment of how values change, and analysis of social impact need to be a constant collaborative endeavor between researchers and societal stakeholders to co-design a responsible future.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion must be central in technological development. Technology reinforces power structures, racism, sexism, ableism, and many other forms of inequality. I advocate for technology that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive (and I gave a TEDx talk about it if you want to know more and I am leading a 4TU project about it). To this end, I use an intersectional feminist lens.

Promoting education for all. Education is a human right. Every child should have access to education and should have the means to sustain their education. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. There are economic, cultural, and discriminatory barriers, especially for women, LGBTQAI+, disabled people and underserved communities. In my work, I have supported women and children to access and thrive in STEM education. I have received the Google Women Techmaker scholarship for my efforts.

Feature 1

Fusce at massa nec sapien auctor gravida in in tellus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam.

Feature 2

Donec eu est non lacus lacinia semper. Phasellus sodales massa malesuada tellus fringilla, nec bibendum tellus blandit. Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam.

Feature 3

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Suspendisse nec congue purus.