Farinre’s AI bias and gender harm project backed by UK Parliament

A proposal by Nigerian-born scientist Bamidele Farinre to investigate fairness in artificial intelligence particularly against women, has been selected by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM (APPG) under the UK Parliament for its 2026–2027 work programme.

The project will examine how artificial intelligence tools used in sectors such as healthcare, education and recruitment can unintentionally reinforce discrimination, particularly against women.

Farinre’s proposal focuses on how biased algorithms and digital systems may worsen existing gender inequalities and contribute to online abuse.

The initiative, titled “Towards a fairer AI future in STEM,” will explore how emerging technologies shape opportunities and risks for women, including access to healthcare services, employment decisions and digital participation. The announcement coincided with activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

According to the APPG, the project will begin with a series of focused investigations into how artificial intelligence systems influence gender outcomes.

These reviews will assess evidence of algorithmic bias, gender-based online harassment and systemic barriers embedded in automated decision-making tools used across public and private institutions.

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The parliamentary group comprises more than 30 cross-party Members of Parliament and members of the House of Lords and is chaired by Samantha Niblett. Its work is supported by the British Science Association.

Farinre’s submission was selected from several proposals submitted to the APPG as it seeks practical evidence to guide future policy discussions on technology governance and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Responding to the development, Farinre described the recognition as a significant moment in her professional journey and a reflection of years of advocacy for fairness in science and technology, particularly for women.

“The girl who arrived in the UK facing accent doubts and non-traditional paths is now influencing national policy on AI’s future in STEM. Every mentoring session, every fight against bias,this moment is the echo reaching the highest levels,” she said.

Farinre, a chartered biomedical scientist and the 2022 biomedical scientist of the year, also serves as global advisor to the Young Africa Enterprise Project(YAEP).

Her selection reflects the growing contribution of African diaspora professionals to global discussions on technology regulation and highlights the importance of ensuring that emerging digital systems do not deepen inequalities affecting women and health outcomes.