With the in Paris now concluded, where prominent figures such as Justin Trudeau, Emmanuel Macron, and other Heads of State were in attendance, the ethical implications of the technology have taken center stage. Among the participants in a plethora of AI meetings, was BSE Professor Ren茅e Sieber, who, after a whirlwind of events, returned home to the news that she has been named one of the top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics for 2025.聽
鈥淏eing a part of this list opens me up to people who can be聽siloed in other fields like computer science,鈥� Sieber said.聽
initiative, launched in 2018 and aims to recognize talented women, particularly those often overlooked in the field. The annual list highlights both pioneers and rising stars from diverse backgrounds and is available as a free online directory for anyone wishing to contact or support these individuals.聽
Professor Sieber's inclusion in this list follows several recent achievements, including the publication of two major articles on AI and civic participation, playing a role in challenging parts of Canada鈥檚 Digital Charter Implementation Act,聽Bill C-27, and working on standards for the AI in government procurement policy as part of the聽Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, . 聽
Discussing her passion for AI ethics, Sieber emphasized, 鈥淚 am very interested in the local level and public consultation because I think that is how we make AI accessible and meaningful for all people, marginalized folks included.鈥澛�
Her work on聽the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (2007) portion of Bill C-27, showcased her commitment to ensuring that AI innovations do not disproportionately benefit a select few at the expense of marginalized communities and the . This focus is central to her research and teaching.聽
鈥淲e should not accept that all AI is either good or bad, and that its result is only in application,鈥� said Sieber. 聽
Highlighting the inherent biases and potential societal harms embedded in AI systems, she pointed to facial recognition software as a prime example, noting its ties to surveillance and the numerous mistakes it has caused.聽
鈥淭here are many false positives and wrongful arrests related to facial recognition technology. We must be able to choose if we want these technologies in our communities, and it鈥檚 the people who should be making that choice,鈥� she explained.聽
Professor Sieber鈥檚 grassroots approach ensures she remains an advocate for public engagement in the AI industry and in AI regulations in government. With her inclusion in the Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics list, her platform for advocacy has grown even larger.聽