Earlier this year, Women in Data Science (WiDS) revealed new research addressing the barriers that women face pursuing graduate studies in data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the study, Identifying and Removing Barriers for Women to Pursue Graduate Studies in Data Science and AI, women are underrepresented in the booming fields of data science and AI in the United States, as well as in the graduate school programs that prepare students for careers in this field.

Important to note that the potential student pipeline from a range of undergraduate degrees is six times larger than the pipeline from engineering, computing, applied math, and statistics.

With support from Pivotal Ventures, WiDS conducted an in-depth research study to understand the barriers women face, identify potential approaches to increase the participation of women, and provide insights and a vision for potential paths forward.

Low awareness of data science pathways, the value of a graduate degree, and societal impact

Challenges related to self-efficacy, self-identity, and imposter phenomenon

Lack of (effective) faculty mentorship to pursue and thrive in graduate study

Insufficient skills development to prepare for graduate program admissions

Lack of family, peer, and community support

Perpetuation of gender bias and significant gender gaps in academia and the workplace

WiDS aims to help increase the representation of women in DS/AI-related graduate programs to at least 30% by 2030 (30x30).

The Women in Data Science (WiDS) central conference will take place on Wednesday, March 8. Panelists will discuss topics ranging from algorithm design to data ethics, algorithmic bias to visualization, sustainability to healthcare, and outer space. Click here for more information.

Check out the @DataSciSalon coming back to Austin on February 21-22. One of a kind conference that brings together top specialists in the enterprise https://t.co/duNMqE6C9R #DSSATX #machinelearning @DataSciSalon
#BWIAI

— Black Women in A.I. (@BlackWomenInAI) January 17, 2023

Women in Data Science (WiDS) 2023 Stanford Conference: Mar 8, 2023, in-person at Stanford University - a technical conference featuring outstanding women discussing their exceptional work in data science and related fields @WiDS_Worldwide https://t.co/BwQzp2WoiP pic.twitter.com/3X5A5BhVNG

— KDnuggets (@kdnuggets) January 20, 2023

📢Announcing the ‘100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics’ list for 2023! Congratulations to all these amazing women who are working hard to keep us safe from the harms and unintended consequences of AI🔥🔥#responsibleai #ethicalai #aiethics https://t.co/YUTDSVODse

— Women in AI Ethics™ (@WomeninAIEthics) December 12, 2022