Proudly part of Cardiff Metropolitan University
HerHCAI 2026: International Conference on Gender Equality in AI Technology and STEM Education
Conference Overview
The HerHCAI 2026 International Conference on Gender Equality in AI Technology and STEM Education will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and system builders to shape the future of trustworthy, secure, resilient, and responsible AI and to advocate for gender equality in AI technology policy and practice.
The conference will examine AI’s social, ethical, legal, and technical challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective, with a core focus on just and inclusive technology. It will provide a platform for women in STEM to gain peer recognition, network with leaders, and share their work. Awards will be presented to outstanding women in HCAI to inspire the next generation.
Conference Tracks
- Gender, Inclusion, and STEM Education – Landscape and Challenges (empirical studies, literature reviews, global comparisons)
- Human-Centred AI: Frameworks, Ethics, Policy, Legal, Security, Governance and Inclusive Design (AI system design, fairness, transparency, participatory methods)
- AI Literacy, Curriculum, and Pedagogy (teaching AI inclusively, curriculum innovation, educator training)
- Pathways, Mentorship, and Institutional Change (mentorship models, policy, industry–academia collaboration)
- Global Perspectives and Cross-Cultural Studies (UK–Nigeria findings, comparisons, community engagement)
Conference Vision
HerHCAI 2026 aims to position gender equality in AI as a shared priority across academia, industry, and government bringing together commercial, academic, political, and media professionals to advocate for just, inclusive AI policy and practice across the world
Research Challenge
AI systems trained on biased or unrepresentative data reproduce and amplify gender inequality from health tools that misdiagnose women to systems that reinforce stereotypes and discourage women from pursuing AI careers. Compounding this, women remain significantly under-represented in AI/HCAI research and development, meaning the perspectives needed to catch and correct these biases are often missing from the room.
Expected Impact
Raised awareness among policymakers, educators, and industry on gender bias in AI and how to address it. Shaping policy, standards, and practice across academia, industry, and government.
Springer Peer-Reviewed
Indexed in the Springer Women in Engineering series
Who Should Attend
- Academics and researchers working in AI, HCAI, ethics, or gender studies
- Policymakers and government officials to engage with research on gender-equitable AI regulation and policy
- Industry professionals and corporate executives from AI/tech companies interested in responsible AI practices and diverse development teams
- Educators looking to integrate HCAI and gender-bias awareness into STEM curricula
- Students interested in AI/STEM career paths
- Media professionals helping amplify the conference’s findings and messaging
Important Dates
| Call for special sessions | 13th July 2026 |
| Paper submission deadline | 4th September 2026 |
| Paper acceptance notification | 23rd October 2026 |
| Registration Due | 6th November 2026 |
| Camera ready submission | 23rd November 2026 |
| Poster / Industry speaker abstract submission deadline | 30th October 2026 |
| Acceptance notification of poster / industry speaker | 13th November 2026 |
| Conference Date | 10th – 11th December 2026 |
Registration
| Categories | Early Registration | Late Registration |
| Standard Authors (Physical Mode) | ||
| Standard Authors (Online Mode) | ||
| Student Registration (Physical Mode) | ||
| Student Registration (Online Mode) | ||
| Non author/ Industry Delegate (Physical Mode) | ||
| No author /Industry Delegate (Online Mode) | ||
| Conference Date |
Paper Submission Portal
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Alan Dix
Emeritus Professor
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK
and Emeritus Professor, Computational Foundry
Swansea University, Wales, UK
Dr Alaa Mohasseb
Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence. University of Portsmouth, UK
Dr. Gbemisola Adetayo
Responsible AI Transformation & Governance Architech | Principal, Arrell Advisory
Prof. Salma Abbasi, PhD, FRGS, FCMI, FRSA
Founder, Chairperson and CEO, eWorldwide Group
Prof. Olumide Olayinka Obe
The Federal University of Technology Akure. Nigeria
Organising Committee
Dr Bola Omisade
Deputy Head, Creative Computing Research Centre, Cardiff School of Technology. Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Dr Fiona Carroll
Reader in Human Computer Interaction. Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Dr Alexis Bennett
Research Associate. Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Prof. Olutayo Boyinbode
Professor of Computer Science. The Federal University of Technology Akure. Nigeria
Conference Format
- Keynote addresses from leading AI figures
- Panel discussions with policymakers, academics, and industry leaders
- Paper presentations and research spotlights
- Awareness-raising interactive sessions
- Peer recognition awards ceremony for women in STEM HCAI
- Networking sessions
Peer Recognition Awards
The conference will present awards to recognise outstanding women in HCAI. Categories to be confirmed by the project team. Award nominations will be open to all project participants, mentors, and the wider AI community.
Venue and Travel
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
We encourage our participants to physically attend the conference in Cardiff. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant Welsh capital city
