Life at DeepMind
Meet Sylvia Christie, our Education Partnerships Manager who has played a leading role in the expansion of our scholarship program, which has just celebrated its fifth anniversary.
What was your journey to DeepMind?
Before DeepMind, I worked for a social startup that improved access to mental health care. Then I found a job at a university working alongside academics and students. At that point, I realized I was looking for a “Goldilocks” role that would bring together everything I loved about these different environments: the speed and enthusiasm of a tech startup, the goal-driven the impact and fascination of working with brilliant researchers. It seemed impossible to combine all these things. Next, enter the left step: DeepMind.
During the interview process, I was surprised by how much the interviewers wanted to get to know me and how connected I was to the culture that DeepMind was building. People from all different backgrounds, disciplines, and approaches find their way to DeepMind, and having such an open discussion about the environment I would be joining as a new employee made me feel at home.
What attracted you to the teaching team?
I believe in ensuring that people from all backgrounds, and especially those from underrepresented communities and backgrounds, are able to contribute to the development of AI. I've been fortunate to work on some truly special projects at DeepMind, but the fellowship program is – by far – the most rewarding program I've ever been a part of. Each academic year, we have the opportunity to see the new crop of talented AI researchers become part of an international community of students and mentors. This is an incredibly special moment – and I can’t wait to see what they all achieve in the future!
Photo: Maximilien Kindersley
How would you describe the scholarship program in one sentence?
The DeepMind Scholarship Program aims to break down barriers for students from underrepresented backgrounds who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields.
What is your typical day? And your team?
My days are always a mix. I like to have a little focus time each day to move project or planning work forward, but the rest of the time can be spent in meetings, team catch-ups, or discussions with students and our partners at universities around the world. It's super varied and never boring.
We're a relatively new team, so we've had the opportunity to create our group culture from the start. Personally, I find the educational partnerships team caring, respectful and fun! We too have grown a lot. Last year we welcomed team members to help us launch six new partnerships and expand our education programs.
What is the biggest challenge your team faces?
Finding the right ways for DeepMind to make a positive impact is the biggest challenge. We need to ensure that our work drives real change in the broader community and for AI education in general. It’s a good challenge to take on because it’s also an opportunity.
How did you celebrate the fifth anniversary?
We organized a researchers’ summit. It’s a virtual celebration of the program and the incredible mentors, students and alumni. It was a great week with fantastic panel discussions with DeepMinders and industry and academic speakers.
We also launched our AI By You film series, where some of our researchers shared their ideas and perspectives on what AI means to them. The series also includes the short cinematic film below as a new way to tell audiences about the scholarship program in a creative way. I am very proud of the researchers involved and the incredible work of our team. Watch all six films on deepmind.com/grants.
What are your biggest lessons now that the scholarship program has been around for five years?
How important collaboration is. The fellowship program would not be possible without our incredible academic partners around the world, as well as the contributions of the people at DeepMind – including those who launched the program in 2017 and the mentors who volunteer each year. And of course, the hard work of the researchers themselves.
To date, more than 335 researchers have completed our program. This academic year, we will welcome up to 115 new researchers at 26 academic institutions in 13 countries. So it’s really exciting to see the program go from strength to strength each year.
Any advice for students interested in applying for a DeepMind scholarship? Or a role at DeepMind?
Potential researchers – keep checking our website! The scholarship application process and deadlines vary from university to university, so our website is the best place to stay up to date.
To those looking for a role at DeepMind, don't rule yourself out. I often hear people say it's intimidating. Imposter syndrome is real, and it is real for me too, even today. But if the mission matters to you and your work excites you, go for it!