Women in Science: Marharyta Domnich, Junior Research Fellow of Computational Neuroscience

From 10-16 February 2025, 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, Marharyta Domnich, Junior Research Fellow of Computational Neuroscience shares her thoughts.

Please describe briefly your field of research

My research lies at the intersection of Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with an emphasis on counterfactual explanations. Counterfactual explanations can reveal how minimal changes to input data can alter an AI model's decision, enhancing transparency and giving user controllable recommendations to improve their outcome. To align explanations with human reasoning and increase humans' trust in AI models, I am integrating insights from cognitive science into the algorithmic design of those methods.

What do you especially like about being a scientist?

One of the aspects I especially enjoy about being a scientist is the constant state of evolution in the field. Every completed paper branches into multiple ideas, making the work dynamic and endless in a sense, but never dull. It often feels like I'm chasing a train that's about to leave, trying to capture emerging insights before they become widely recognized. On the other side, there is the evolution of AI. It is evident that it is happening today, but it started already for some time and it feels important to not simply observe it, but understand and perhaps even influence it.

Equally rewarding is the scientific community that surrounds me. Day-to-day conversations in an academic environment are very fulfilling and push the boundaries of knowledge.

Why would you recommend that young people study IT and consider a career as a researcher?

It is a great path for self-discovery, building your image and your scientific network. As a PhD student, you have the opportunity to attend top conferences where the brightest minds and leading companies gather, giving you access to multiple opportunities. However, at the end of the day, every PhD journey is unique to the individual who takes it. It is important to acknowledge that this path is demanding, challenging, and even potentially traumatizing without a strong support system. After all, no transformation comes for free. My biggest recommendation to young people that consider a career as a researcher is to talk with PhD graduates from different labs, talk with potential supervisors and not be afraid to ask honest and difficult questions.