20-22 May 2024

Alessandra Sala

Sr. Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Shutterstock

A Research and Scientific Leader in Artificial Intelligence, Alessandra is the Sr. Director of AI and Data Science at Shutterstock. Alessandra has over 15 years’ experience in research and innovation gained whilst working in academic and commercial environments. Alessandra has a strong technical background in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics and ethical frameworks with the focus of transferring innovation from research to products. 

As Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform and Global President of Women in AI (a non profit do-tank working towards gender-inclusive AI that benefits global society) Alessandra is working with a strong community of women to foster diversity, inclusion and equality for women and minorities while encouraging a global ethical approach in AI. In an advisory capacity, Alessandra also serves as the Governance Committee Chair at the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning. 

Among several awards, Alessandra was the 2021 winner of the XV International Prize “Le Tecno- visionarie” in the AI – Industrial Research category. In her previous role Alessandra was Head of Analytics Research at Nokia Bell Labs where she was leading research teams in several locations and developing a successful strategy for the Data Analytics division while driving changes across different activities like her contributions to the Nokia AI Ethics Advisory Board.