Women in Science: Anastasija Nikiforova, Associate Professor of Applied AI

From 9-15 February 2026, the University of Tartu will host a themed week to celebrate the "Women in Science" day. During this week, we aim to highlight the work and achievements of our researchers and have invited them to answer three questions. This time, Anastasija Nikiforova, Associate Professor of Applied AI shares her thoughts.

Please describe briefly your field of research.

My research focuses on data and AI governance in the context of digital transformation, with particular emphasis on the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence. I study how AI, including generative AI, reshapes organizational processes, data governance, and human–AI collaboration.

A key aspect of my work is examining the ethical, societal, and environmental implications of AI, including responsible, sustainable, and green AI, particularly within large-scale digital ecosystems. By exploring the interplay between technology, society, and policy, my research aims to contribute to the resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability of complex socio-technical systems. In essence, I study where AI ambitions collide with governance, legitimacy, and readiness, and how systems can be conceptualized to withstand that pressure.

What do you especially like about being a scientist?

What I value most about being a scientist is the ability to navigate chaos, and sometimes deliberately create it. Research often starts from messy, sometimes unknown and contradictory realities, especially when addressing pressing societal and technological challenges. I enjoy bringing structure to this complexity, solving some of these challenges while questioning assumptions and uncovering often hidden paradoxes.

Equally important is actively seeking out and collaborating with bright minds; this does not happen by chance, but through curiosity, openness, and shared ambition. While information systems and computer science are powerful disciplines, their real strength emerges through multidisciplinarity and moving beyond a “technology-first” mindset. This naturally creates opportunities to engage with different disciplines and perspectives on the same issue. Ultimately, being a scientist means creating impact, learning continuously, and advancing knowledge together across perspectives.

Who have you looked up to, and why?

Shaping one’s scientific identity is a personal journey, influenced by observation, dialogue, and critical reflection rather than imitation. For this reason, I try not to look up to any single person as a fixed role model or blueprint for my own research path.

I am particularly inspired by researchers who combine intellectual excellence with the ability to operationalize and communicate their work in meaningful ways. More broadly, I draw inspiration from bright minds—regardless of gender—who challenge conventions and collaborate across disciplines, and especially from young women who confidently make their voices heard while transforming their fields and breaking stereotypes.

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From 9–15 February, the University of Tartu is hosting the themed week “Women in Science”. During this week, we aim to highlight the work and achievements of our women scientists. In Estonia, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been marked since 2021 on the initiative of the University of Tartu and the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences (EYAS). The aim of the day is to emphasise the role of women and girls in science, break down stereotypes, and encourage women to pursue careers in research.

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