2022 is the European Year of Youth. To celebrate this occasion, CEN and CENELEC are conducting a year-long campaign, which consists of a regular series of interviews with young professionals active in European standardization. In the fifth episode of the series, we get to know Saharnaz Dilmaghani, from Luxembourg.
1. Please, present yourself. How are you involved in standardization?
My name is Saharnaz Dilmaghani. I currently work as a Senior Associate in AI and Data Analysis at PwC Luxembourg. Before that, I enrolled in an industrialized PhD program at the University of Luxembourg supported by ILNAS, the national standardization body of Luxembourg. The focus of the study program was on Smart ICT standardization and research. My role was to conduct research in data analytics and artificial intelligence, as well as to participate in Technical Committees in the domain to analyse and identify gaps in standards.
2. Why and how did you decide to deal with standardization in your research?
After participating in several ISO/IEC JTS 21/SC 42 working groups, I became interested in the opportunities and new items defined in SC 42, such as WG 3 - AI Trustworthiness. I conducted research on various types of risks in different phases of the AI life cycle, and then investigated the methods and standards in place to mitigate the risk. My contribution was published in a prestigious conference paper. The results of my research were used in technical reports by SC 42 WG 3 Trustworthiness and were also partially included in the CEN/CLC JTC 21 ‘Artificial Intelligence’ roadmap report.
3. Do you think that working on European standardization provides some added value for your career development?
Absolutely! The importance and necessity of AI standards are critical, especially considering the EU AI ACT initiative. Working to shape EU standards could provide value to all firms and customers, especially given many organizations’ reluctance to adopt AI due to potential risks and threats.
4. In 2021, you have been recognised for your work as one of the winners of the Standards+Innovation Awards. What is the importance of European standardization for your sector?
My research and contribution to standards are focused on data analytics and Artificial Intelligence. According to AI Index 2022 data, nearly 48 percent of organisations cite regulatory compliance as the most significant risk of implementing AI. Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI is a critical point and one of the main reasons for the European Commission to provide regulations and standards to favour its deployment. Thus, there is no doubt that standards play an important role in our sector.
5. Why should there be more young people in standardization? What advice would you like to tell your fellow young professionals to invite them into the world of standardization?
AI and data analytics methods and applications are rapidly evolving. Young researchers are more open to new advancements, and their creative mind, they can create new opportunities in standards.
Furthermore, there are numerous opportunities for young researchers to collaborate and use standards as a framework for their research. The impact of standards is much broader than one might imagine!
You can follow the rest of the campaign here and also read the other interviews to our Young Professionals in Standardization.
Read the previous episodes of the series:
Episode 3, with Kristin Fagerli
Episode 4, with Alexandre Colombier
Join the conversation through the hashtag #EuropeanYearOfYouth
Giovanni COLLOT
gcollot@cencenelec.eu
