Women in AI and Data Science Conference (WiADS)

  WiADS is Minnesota's premier conference dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science while creating opportunities for connection, learning, and collaboration. The 2026 conference will feature conversations, presentations, hands-on learning opportunities, and networking across topics including AI, generative AI, machine learning, responsible AI, healthcare, higher education, industry, public policy, and more.   Join us on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the McNamara Alumni Center for a day bringing together students, educators, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to explore the future of AI and data science. Whether you are new to AI or an experienced practitioner, WiADS offers opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the conversation.   We are excited to welcome Meredith Broussard (https://meredithbroussard.com/) as the WiADS 2026 keynote speaker. Broussard is an associate professor at New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute and Research Director of the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology. She is the award-winning author of More Than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech and Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World. Her work explores AI ethics, algorithmic bias, investigative journalism, and the use of data for social good.   The Call for Abstracts (https://z.umn.edu/WIADS_Talk) is open to researchers, students, educators, practitioners, and community organizations interested in sharing their work with Minnesota's AI community.  Early bird registration is open through August 24, 2026.   Learn more about WiADS 2026, registration, and the Call for Abstracts:https://z.umn.edu/WiADS2026 (https://z.umn.edu/WiADS2026)