Dr. Alessandra Sala

A research and scientic leader in Articial Intelligence, Alessandra is the Sr. Director of AI and Data Science at Shutterstock. Alessandra has over 18 years of research and innovation experience gained while working in academic and commercial environments. Alessandra is passionate about generative AI models, machine learning, and computational models, focusing on transferring innovation from research to products.

Alessandra chairs the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Collaboration, which brings together IEC, ISO, ITU and other standards organizations to foster a unified response to deepfake technology, addressing risks while harnessing the benefits of generative AI. As Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform, Alessandra works with a strong community of women to foster diversity, inclusion and equality for women and minorities while encouraging a global ethical approach in AI. As Global President of Women in AI (a non-profit think tank working towards gender-inclusive AI that benefits global society) Alessandra leads a community of women across 150 countries that empowers women and minorities to become AI & Data experts, innovators and leaders. 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 won the 2025 Women of Europe - Women in STEM, the 2024 Grace Hopper, and the 2021 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 led research teams in several locations while driving changes across different activities, such as her contributions to the Nokia AI Ethics Advisory Board.