AI visionaries leading health innovation for women: Call for nominations

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have today [30 October] launched AI Visionaries: Leading Health Innovation for Women. This new initiative aims to celebrate UK pioneers behind groundbreaking advancements in women’s health and gender equity through artificial intelligence (AI). We also want to recognise female leaders in the field of AI to inspire the next generation of women working in AI.

Deadline for nominations now extended to Monday 18th November 2024 at 5pm.

The campaign seeks to address longstanding gender inequities in healthcare and AI by profiling individuals whose work directly addresses key health challenges faced by women or examines sex bias in AI, improving outcomes, and driving ethical, inclusive innovation in the field.

Closing divides in women’s health and AI

Despite advancements, women continue to face disparities in medical treatment and underrepresentation in the AI sector. Recent research has found that:

• 60% of women in the UK report their health issues aren’t taken seriously.
• In three conditions primarily affecting women, females accounted for just 40% of clinical trial participants.
• A mere 1% of global health research funding targets female-specific conditions.
• Only around a quarter of the global AI workforce is female and there are fewer females in leadership positions.
• Whilst women comprise 51% of the population, disparities persist in AI model performance, problem selection, and underlying data.

These findings indicate the urgent need for change in both healthcare practices and the AI industry.

Using AI to transform women’s health and reduce health inequalities

The potential for AI to transform women’s healthcare is immense. From improved diagnostics to personalised treatments, AI has the power to address sex-based health inequities and significantly enhance women’s quality of life. However, we must also examine sex bias in AI to avoid inadvertently widening existing health inequalities.

Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, Health Innovation KSS said: “It’s time for a health equity check-up. Through this campaign, we want to recognise those who are leading the charge in AI, often working behind the scenes, utilising transformative, life-changing AI applications that address critical women’s health challenges and further understanding of sex bias in AI.”

Recognising diverse contributors 

The initiative seeks nominations from individuals and teams working in diverse industries and backgrounds. Pioneers working in healthcare, technology, data science, finance, research, venture capital, public policy and other fields are all eligible for recognition. The campaign aims to celebrate the art of the possible and the positive and impactful work happening within the field, featuring selected entrants in a special celebratory booklet.

Selected nominees will be invited to the Responsible AI: Women and Healthcare Conference hosted jointly by DHSC and NHS in January 2025

This gathering will showcase groundbreaking work in women’s health, female leadership, and efforts to minimise sex bias in AI and provide a unique networking opportunity in this underexposed space.

How to participate

Nominations are now open for individuals and teams whose work is making a positive change in one or more of the following areas: AI being used in women’s health, female leadership in health AI, and work examining sex bias in AI. Please note, the campaign cannot recognise specific companies or products.

To nominate yourself or a colleague, visit https://forms.office.com/e/MuwBQkpnH3. Further details on eligibility and conditions can be found on the website. Nominations will close on Monday 18th November 2024 at 5pm.