Algorithmic bias can affect us everywhere, from minor trivia such as our social media feeds to critical decisions where bias can wreak havoc with a person's life dream or a company's survival. Sources of algorithmic bias are manifold – some, such as biased data and overfitting, sit squarely in the domain of data scientists themselves, while others only can be tackled by the business users and government agencies who use algorithms, be it through carefully crafted experiments that generate truly unbiased data or through deliberate tweaks of the decision-making process.

In this practical and interactive talk, data scientist and psychologist Tobias Baer, data scientist, psychologist and author of 'Algorithmic Bias' puts algorithmic bias in the bigger context of human decision biases and engages the audience (through quizzes and Q&A) in a discussion about both psychological and statistical sources of bias and what business users and data scientists can do respectively to manage and prevent algorithmic bias. The evening concludes with a panel discussion about how regulators should think about algorithmic bias. The panel will consist of: Tobias Baer, Maria Axente (Responsible AI and AI for Good Lead at PwC), Orlando Machado (Chief Data Scientist at Aviva), Clemi Collett (Cambridge based researcher), and will be moderated by Simone Schnall, Director of the Cambridge Body, Mind and Behaviour Laboratory and a Fellow of Jesus College.

5 copies of Tobias' book Understand, Manage, and Prevent Algorithmic Bias: A guide for business users and data scientists will be raffled at this event. To participate in the raffle, please select the 'Raffle Ticket' option on sale at the cost of £1. This will automatically enter you into the prize raffle. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will go towards the cost of the event.

Dr Tobias Baer is a consultant and scholar focusing on the intersections of data science, risk management, and psychology. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Frankfurt, an MPhil in Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and an MA in Economics from UWM. As an ex McKinsey Partner with over 25 years of global experience, he has been a pioneer in data science (having built McKinsey's credit risk analytics capabilities) and debiasing decisions. He supports a small number of FinTechs/start-ups as Senior Advisor, is a member of Wolfson College, and teaches executive classes on Artificial Intelligence and Risk Management at the Møller Centre.

How do I get to West Court, Jesus College?

The entry to West Court is directly on Jesus Lane, near to the intersection with Park Street. Please DO NOT ENTER through the main entrance to the Porters’ Lodge, known as "the Chimney”. A map is included below to assist you in finding our entrance.

Our what3words address is tree.heat.bravo

What transport options do I have?

There is no on-site car parking at Jesus College for those attending our events. There is limited on-street parking outside the College and the Park Street Car Park is very close. There are also multiple Park and Ride options to the City Centre, a short walk from the College.

A regular train service runs to Cambridge from London’s Kings Cross Station, London Liverpool Street Station and many other mainline UK stations. The College is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) from the railway station. Buses run about every 10 minutes and there is a taxi rank outside the station and one here in the city centre for your return.

What time do I need to arrive?

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the event and doors will close at the face time on your ticket. We may not admit latecomers, especially if seating is full or filming is taking place. Our staff will be on-site to validate tickets and so it would be helpful to have either an electronic or printed form of your ticket with you. Please also bring photographic ID for validation.

Does my ticket guarantee entry?

Unfortunately, not everyone who books a ticket turns up on the day and so we have to over-issue tickets to ensure a full event. We decide carefully how many tickets to issue as it is important to have a full event but the last thing we want to do is disappoint people. In order to be as fair as possible, we admit ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis. For the raffle ticket holders, we will keep allocated seats available until 5 minutes before the start of the event; so if you want to have a guaranteed ticket, please buy a raffle ticket and arrive before 19:25. It is helpful to us if you cannot attend that you cancel your ticket. More accurate numbers mean less overbooking in the future and reduce the risk that people with tickets will be denied entry. For some events, we may be able to ticket at the door and this will be advised to the waitlist. Please join the waitlist if the event is sold out and we will let you know if this will be an option.

What can I bring with me?

There are coat hooks around our building, but there are no storage or coat minding facilities and we cannot take any responsibility for items left unattended. Mobile phones are allowed but must be silenced or placed on airline mode during the event. Flash photography is prohibited.

What if I have access requirements?

West Court is access friendly and there are hearing loops. Please let us know about any access requirements at least three days in advance of any event via if-coordinator@jesus.cam.ac.uk. There is limited permit disabled parking, and again this must be prearranged. The building has extensive access-friendly bathroom facilities and some limited seating in the waiting area.

Is there food or drink available?

For refreshments, our College Cafe or Bar will often be open across the courtyard selling drinks and food around our events. Details of the opening times for the cafe can be found at https://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/college/life-jesus/food-and-drink/cafe and for our bar can be found at https://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/college/life-jesus/food-and-drink/bar.

Filming, social media and data protection

The Intellectual Forum often films and live-streams its events. Notices about any filming will be placed around the venue, and if you have any concerns please contact if-coordinator@jesus.cam.ac.uk.

By signing up to attend this event, those attending give permission to the Jesus College Intellectual Forum and those authorised by Jesus College to record images and/or sound at the event by photograph and/or video/film and/or recording. A full waiver is required in the ticketing process.

You can find information on how we manage your data at https://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/college/about-us/data-protection.

How to cancel your ticket

Many of our events are oversubscribed and we operate a waitlist. In order to allow the maximum number of people to be in attendance, we ask that if you find you can no longer attend, please cancel your order. Instructions on how to cancel your ticket can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/support/articles/en_US/How_To/how-to-cancel-your-free-registration