The TWIML AI Podcast (formerly This Week in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence) Daring to DAIR: Distributed AI Research with Timnit Gebru - #568
16 snips
Apr 18, 2022 
Timnit Gebru, founder of the Distributed AI Research Institute, joins the conversation to share her journey after her controversial departure from Google. She discusses the challenges of establishing independent research structures and the need for ethical AI practices. The importance of fairness beyond technical terms is highlighted, along with tackling systemic issues. Timnit also explores innovative projects, like examining spatial apartheid using AI. Throughout, she emphasizes the value of diverse voices and community engagement in reshaping AI research.
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Resignation and DAIR's Founding
- Timnit Gebru describes her experience of being "resignated" from Google after publishing a paper on large language model dangers.
- This event, coupled with personal hardships, led her to found DAIR.
DAIR's Distributed Nature
- DAIR prioritizes a distributed, interdisciplinary approach to AI research, focusing on community benefit and avoiding exploitation.
- It aims to counter the brain drain from other regions to Silicon Valley.
Incentive Structures
- Timnit Gebru emphasizes the importance of proper institutional structures and incentive structures for ethical AI development.
- Existing academic and industry structures often hinder ethical work due to perverse incentives.
