Meet our team

To give you a better idea of how we work, in every newsletter we’ll introduce you to one of our team members, who shares what their background is, what they’re working on and why algorithmic transparency matters to them!

In this edition, we hear from Paula Fortuna who has been at ECAT since 2023, coming from a background in Informatics and Computing Engineering, and Social Psychology.

What drew you to the Commission's work on algorithmic transparency and AI?

Algorithms and AI are increasingly being used in various fields, profoundly impacting societies and people's lives. However, their widespread adoption doesn't necessarily mean they are thoroughly tested. In my previous job, I focused on this topic and exploring algorithms and AI, and developing methods to test their efficacy and social impact. When the opportunity to join ECAT arose, I saw it as a natural fit, as it gives me the chance to contribute to the European Union's efforts to regulate AI and algorithms for the greater good of its population.

What are you working on right now? 

I work as a Data Scientist on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, focusing on topics such as content moderation of hate speech, systemic risks like gender-based violence, and data access for researchers. I am also conducting some research that require data analysis, one of my favourite tasks.

Can you share one achievement from your career so far that you're proud of?

I am very proud to have developed the full pipeline of analysis and full-stack development for a project entitled "Feminicidio à vista", one of the first initiatives to shed light on cases of femicide in Portugal.