Pursuing AI Education – Commercial, present, future

We meet Sylvia Christie, Education Partnership Manager, who played a leading role in expanding the scholarship program, which is just celebrating its fifth anniversary.

What was your path to deep mind?

Before DeepMind, I worked for a startup with a social purpose to increase access to mental health care. Then I got a job at university with academics and students. At that point I realized I was looking for a role for “Goldilocks” that put all my loves together about these different environments – focusing on the speed, excitement and impact of high-tech startups The goals and the appeal of collaboration with great researchers. It seemed impossible to combine all of these. Next, enter the left stage: DeepMind.

During the interview process, I was amazed at how the interviewer related what he wanted to know about me with how I built the Deep Mind. People from a variety of backgrounds, fields and approaches found a path to deep thoughts and had these public discussions about the environment in which they would participate as new employees made me feel at home.

What attracted you to the education team?

I believe in ensuring that people in all life, especially those from underrepresented communities and backgrounds, can contribute to the development of AI. I had the opportunity to work on some special projects at DeepMind, but the scholarship program is the most personally rewarding program I have ever been involved in. Each grade will allow you to see new crops for new crops. Talent AI scholars will become part of the international community of students and mentors. It’s an incredibly special moment. And I can’t wait to see what they have achieved in the future!

How do you explain a scholarship program in one sentence?

The DeepMind Scholarship Program aims to remove barriers for students from an underrated background who want to pursue graduate research in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields.

How about your typical day? And your team?

My days are always a mix. I like to focus a little each day on a project-based or planning task every day, but for the rest of the time I can meet, catch up with teams, or talk to my partners with university students from around the world. It is very diverse and never boring.

We are a relatively new team, so we had the opportunity to create a group culture from the start. Personally, I find the Education Partnership Team thoughtful, respectful and fun! We’ve grown a lot too. Last year, we welcomed team members to launch six new partnerships and help expand their education programs.

What are the biggest challenges your team faces?

Finding the right way for deep minds to have a positive impact is the most important issue. Our work needs to ensure that it drives real change more generally for the broader community and AI education. Because it’s a chance.

How did you celebrate your 5th anniversary?

We held the Scholars Summit. It is a virtual celebration of the program, and it is an incredible mentor, students and alumni. It was a great week with Deep Minder and great panel discussions with industry and academic speakers.

We have also released the AI ​​by You Film series. There, several scholars shared ideas and insights about what AI means to them. The series also includes the following short films as new ways to tell audiences about the scholarship program in a creative way: I am very proud of the great work of the scholars involved and our team. Check out all six movies at deepmind.com/scholarships.

Now that the scholarship program is five years ago, what is your biggest learning?

The importance of collaboration. Whether you start the program in 2017 or volunteer mentoring annually, scholarship programs are impossible without contributions from amazing university partners around the world and people at Deepmind. And of course, the scholars themselves have a tough job.

To date, we have more than 335 academics here through our program. This year’s school year welcomes up to 115 new academics at 26 academic institutions in 13 countries, so it’s really exciting to see the program become more powerful each year.

Do you have any advice for students interested in applying for deep scholarships? Or role in deepmind?

Future Scholars – Keep checking out our website! The scholarship application process and deadlines vary from university to university. That’s why our website is the perfect place to stay up to date.

For those looking for a role in the deep mind, don’t count yourself. I often hear from people who say it feels intimidating. Imposter syndrome is real and that’s to me today too. But if you care about your mission and have a passion for your work, go for it!