InspireLab launches its first three projects

Three researchers — Researchers Amir Payberah, Matilda Larsson and Madeline Balaam.

Published Jun 06, 2025

InspireLab kicks off with three projects at the intersection of gender equality and technology. Together, they represent bold and innovative approaches to addressing gender equality through science and technology, aligning with InspireLab’s mission to support research that improves women’s lived experiences.

Selected from a pool of high-quality proposals, the three first InspireLab funded projects have been approved by InspireLab's Steering Group and Scientific Council.

“We’re excited to get started with these three important research initiatives,” says Centre Director Pia Höök. “As a newly launched research centre, it’s inspiring to see how much related work is already happening at KTH. At the same time, there is still much to explore in this emerging field, and we look forward to continuing to support additional research projects in the future.”

These projects were chosen for their strong focus on improving women’s lived experiences, innovative use of technology, and high scientific quality. Led by KTH researchers, they address concrete gender equality challenges such as preventing birth injuries and their long-term impact on women’s well-being, minimising harm from deep-fake porn by rethinking digital consent, and developing AI that is more inclusive of diverse women’s lived experiences.

Ultrasound Elastography of Female Pelvic Floor Muscles

Matilda Larsson, is a Professor of Medical Image Processing at KTH, and develops imaging technologies to enhance diagnosis and treatment. This project focuses on improving care for women by advancing ultrasound tools to detect childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries. By enabling earlier diagnosis and personalised care, it promotes better health outcomes and a more inclusive healthcare system.

The missing data: Reimagining AI Systems to Challenge Structural Silences

Amir Payberah is an Associate Professor of Computer Science, and Lina Rahm is an Assistant Professor in AI and Media History. They are both dedicated to exploring justice in AI systems. Their project addresses the biases and exclusions embedded in AI by centring marginalised voices, hidden labour, and environmental costs. Through a feminist lens, they aim to build AI with—not just for—communities, fostering more accountable and equitable technologies.

Reimagining Consent: The Case of Deep-fake Porn

Madeline Balaam, is a Professor of Media Technology and Interaction Design, with a research focus on digital health and wellbeing. Her project rethinks digital consent by treating it as an ongoing, embodied process rather than a one-time agreement. Using deep-fake porn as a case study, it seeks to reduce harm from non-consensual content and develop more ethical, feminist approaches to digital consent.