Ana Freire

Ana Freire is a Senior Lecturer at the UPF Barcelona School of Management (BSM), serving as Vicedean for Social Impact and Academic Innovation. She holds a dual role as researcher and educator, bridging academic rigor with societal applications. Previously, she worked at the School of Engineering at UPF, Yahoo Labs, and institutions in Italy and the UK.

Her research focuses on leveraging Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to address social and economic challenges, particularly in mental health, gender equity, and digital transformation. She has authored over 50 publications and patents, with recognition for contributions to AI ethics and mental health monitoring via social platforms. Notable projects include detecting anorexia nervosa and suicide risk through social media analytics.

Professional Contributions:

• Vicedean overseeing initiatives in social impact and educational innovation
• Leadership in interdisciplinary research teams addressing AI ethics and mental health
• Active participation in global conferences on web science, affective computing, and diversity in tech

Awards & Recognition:

• Mentioned in Business Insider’s list of top innovators (2023)
• National and international accolades for research impact

Future Work:

• Advancing AI tools for equitable healthcare diagnostics
• Developing frameworks for ethical AI adoption in education and workplaces