This summer, YFile examines how 91亚色-led researchers move ideas into impact through the Connected Minds Prototyping Awards. This series shows innovation in practice 鈥� how socially responsible technologies are tested in real-world settings and how this work drives meaningful change.

As Canada's population ages and demand for care continues to grow, researchers are exploring how technology can help older adults live more independently while easing pressure on caregivers.  

An emerging area of focus is social robotics, a field dedicated to developing robots capable of interacting with people in natural, human-centred ways. Unlike industrial robots designed for manufacturing, social robots can communicate, respond to social cues and assist in settings such as homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities.  

At 91亚色, a team led by聽James Elder, professor聽at the 聽and the Faculty of聽Health聽and 91亚色 Research Chair in Human and Computer Vision,聽is聽exploring how聽social robots聽can better聽interact聽with the people they are designed to support.聽

The project centres on Psibot, a novel robotic vision system designed to help robots perceive and understand the people around them. By drawing inspiration from how humans see and direct their attention, the technology aims to equip robots with social awareness to assist, monitor and interact in more natural ways. 

"Our research explores the potential for robots and AI to work with human caregivers in providing continuous assessments, assistance and care to older adults," says Elder, who also serves the University as director of the Centre for AI & Society. "To fulfill this potential, robots must have a high degree of social intelligence."  

For social robots to be effective, they must be able to detect, recognize and interpret human behaviour and social cues. However, giving robots the visual capabilities to perform these tasks remains a significant challenge. 

Traditional robotic vision systems often face a trade-off: they can either scan a wide area at lower detail or focus closely on a specific person or object. Psibot tackles this challenge by combining broad awareness with the ability to focus on specific people and interactions when greater detail is needed. 

Much like people use peripheral vision to stay aware of their surroundings while focusing their attention on a person or activity,聽Psibot聽combines wide-angle cameras with a high-resolution sensor that can rapidly direct its gaze where it is needed most. This allows the robot to聽maintain聽awareness of its environment without losing the ability to closely聽observe聽important interactions.聽

The team has already developed two functioning prototypes, PSIBot 1.0 and PSIBot 2.0, and continues to refine the technology. 

The project received support through the Connected Minds Prototyping Award, which helps researchers move promising ideas closer to real-world testing and deployment. Connected Minds is a multi-million-dollar transdisciplinary research initiative led by 91亚色 and Queen鈥檚 universities that explores the bridge between emerging technology, public health and social justice.  

According to Elder, the funding has been instrumental in advancing this work toward field testing and commercialization opportunities. 

The prototype has significant potential in health care and senior care settings, where social robots could complement human caregivers by monitoring well-being, supporting daily activities and improving access to care. 

Elder also sees promise in their ability to support emotional and social health by identifying changes in social behaviour, such as an increase in isolation, and encouraging residents to participate in activities or connect with others. 

鈥淪ocial robots can serve as escorts, guiding an older adult from place to place within a potentially large facility,鈥� says Elder. 鈥淭his can preserve the mobility of the individual while keeping them safe.鈥� 

 Monitoring changes in mobility over time is another application, where caregivers could receive alerts about potential fall risks and offer earlier interventions when needed. 

As health care systems face growing demands, technologies that support independent living and aging in place may play an increasingly important role in helping older adults maintain their quality of life, says Elder. 

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Espinosa, a member of the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Health and the Connected Minds program, is among researchers working to better understand dogs as a global species within the fields of comparative psychology and canine science. Her work examines how animals think and behave, and how those processes shape their relationships with people in different environments.

Across scientific fields, researchers aim to draw conclusions that are consistent in different populations and contexts. That requires studying a wide and representative range of subjects. In canine science, however, that breadth is often limited, Espinosa says.

Most studies on dog behaviour and cognition tend to focus on companion canines in affluent regions of the Global North, whose lives are shaped by specific cultural and economic contexts. That leaves out a large portion of the world鈥檚 dog population 鈥� especially free-living canines and those in the Global South 鈥� as well as the many different ways humans and their pets interact across cultures and environments.

That narrow focus also shapes how studies are built. In many cases, participants are recruited through university communities or social media, which can skew toward people with the time, resources and interest to take part. Those same factors can influence the kinds of dogs being studied, favouring well鈥憈rained, highly socialized pets while excluding others.

鈥淲ith research drawing mostly from similar types of dogs and guardians, it becomes harder to know whether the results reflect the species as a whole or just a specific subset,鈥� says Espinosa.

Espinosa has observed this kind of variability in her own work. In studies examining how dogs respond to human pointing gestures, she and her collaborators found that results can differ depending on where the they are studied and the conditions they are raised in. For example, canines in Toronto respond differently to pointing gestures than those studied in Vancouver and Nebraska.

Findings like these, she says, highlight how much remains unknown and point questions that may be overlooked if results were broadly representative.

鈥淥nce we understand that there are these gaps in how we do our science 鈥� and even our individual ability to address them 鈥� we can start collectively working on ways forward,鈥� she says.

In an article published in , Espinosa offers an analysis of current canine research and proposes a shift in approach to improve the relevance of the field. Through large鈥憇cale collaborative studies, researchers from multiple sites and countries can better capture the diversity of dog ecology and dog-human relationships using shared methods and larger, more diverse samples.

鈥淭he main goal is to propose how we could make science more representative and equitable, both in the type of dogs that are studied and the people who do the research,鈥� she says.

One example is the ManyDogs Project, founded by Espinosa in 2018, which brings together collaborators from different locations and populations to study canine behaviour across contexts. By combining data and comparing results across sites, researchers can test findings across diverse groups.

In practice, this could lead to better inform human-animal relationships, animal welfare and ecological interactions. It could also offer a clearer picture of how dogs adapt across environments, including when they move between them.

Espinosa points to the growing practice of bringing canines from other regions, such as the street of Mexico, into Canadian communities as one example. Understanding how dogs from different backgrounds behave, she says, can support more effective training when they struggle to adjust to new environments.

Espinosa stresses that what she calls 鈥渂ig team science鈥� is not intended to replace the work done by individual groups, but rather to complement those efforts and broaden understanding and research practices through international collaboration, diverse viewpoints and scientific traditions and ways of knowing.

鈥淯nderstanding that what we know is just a drop in the ocean and only applicable to a small subset of very particular dogs can help us appreciate the value that diverse perspectives can add to the conversation,鈥� Espinosa says.

By widening its lens, canine research has the potential to produce more reliable findings while deepening peoples鈥� connection with one of its oldest and most widespread companions. 鈥淯ltimately, the goal is improving dog well-being and supporting healthy dog-human relationships,鈥� says Espinosa.

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As part of their work, Michael Jenkin, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at 91亚色's Lassonde School of Engineering, and his colleagues have been exploring how to build trust between people and machines.

鈥淲e ask questions like, 鈥榃hat shape should a robot be? Should a robot have a face on it? If a robot has a face on it, is it important what the face looks like?鈥欌�� Jenkin says. 鈥淚f you were going to talk to a robot or talk to a kiosk, what should it look like? Should it be big or small? Do people prefer text or is audio better?鈥�

The group has also been looking at how to build robots that can respond to humans in ways that emulate empathy, using AI and machine learning to teach the robot to read a person鈥檚 emotional state and respond accordingly based on their mannerisms and the speed at which they speak.

What they found is that people come with their own prejudices, and they apply those when talking to people and robots. For example, in general, people prefer robots acting as security guards to look like men. In health support roles, they prefer their robots to look like women.

鈥淲e have lots of choices in the design space,鈥� Jenkin says. 鈥淲hat's the right one?鈥�

In one collaboration with industrial partners, including an Ontario-based firm called Cloud Constable, Jenkin and the team looked at how to build a robot that can act as a security guard in public spaces, diffusing potential conflict.

鈥淲e considered things like, does this kind of robot need a face? If the robot has the ability to provide lethal and non-lethal force, who鈥檚 going to take responsibility when it goes wrong? Or, even if it goes right, who鈥檚 responsible?鈥� Jenkin says.

As AI revolutionizes how people collect and process data, and transforms how we work and live, Jenkin says researchers like him 鈥� all over the world, in every sector and service 鈥� are thinking through questions like these as they try to build machines people are comfortable interacting with.

He points to a recent experiment in Europe that probed whether people would accept hugs from robots. The trial looked at whether people prefer their robots in this situation to be padded to replicate the human body and how long people are willing to stay in the embrace of a machine. Spoiler alert: not long.

Jenkin, who is part of 91亚色 U鈥檚 Connected Minds project that is focused on ethical use of AI, says there are, of course, issues of privacy and security to consider as machines leverage our personal data to appear more human.

Something else to consider is whether using machines to solve problems is just masking deeper societal issues that should be addressed.

Robots, for example, can be programmed to act as companions to isolated seniors, sitting with them while they eat, as evidence suggests this encourages people in homes to eat more and stay healthy longer. But is that the answer to the broader concern about how we treat our most vulnerable?

鈥淭his space is in its infancy,鈥� Jenkin says. 鈥淭here are problems that we have as a society that robots can address. Addressing the fundamental problem is much more desirable, but until we have that fixed, maybe AI can provide a stopgap measure and be part of the solution in that way.鈥�

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The rating was published in the annual print and digital editions of Canada鈥檚 Innovation Leaders 2024, a national ranking and analysis of the country鈥檚 leading research universities.

鈥�91亚色 U is committed to innovations that help us better understand the human condition and that can make positive change in the world,鈥� said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. 鈥淚ntensive research is in our DNA and is the foundation of our academic environment. From advancing artificial intelligence to addressing societal challenges, our work continues to push boundaries and create meaningful impact.鈥�

91亚色 U鈥檚 externally sponsored research income has reached more than $120 million, the University鈥檚 highest level, and the sixth straight year the amount has topped $100 million.

91亚色 is enhancing Canada鈥檚 global competitiveness in the knowledge economy and is becoming a global leader in research related to AI, a technology that is transforming every facet of life, work and society.

Last year, the Government of Canada announced a historic $318 million in funding for the 91亚色-led Connected Minds initiative in partnership with Queen鈥檚 University. The pioneering project brings together experts in humanities, engineering, law, and life sciences to examine the ways in which AI is changing and entangling society. Researchers are working to understand ways to balance the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence for the good of humanity.  

Connected Minds is exploring a more inclusive metaverse. This massive project is looking at everything from virtual reality to community organizing and neurotechnologies for healthy aging. It is examining Indigenous data sovereignty and how human brain function changes when people interact with AI compared with what happens when they engage with each other.

鈥淎I and other new technologies are evolving at a rapid pace, and we have to act quickly if we want to influence whether humans and machines can work together in an equitable way,鈥� says Pina D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞, 91亚色 Research Chair in Intellectual Property, AI and Emerging Technologies and director of Connected Minds. 

Aligned with the broader institutional goals of Connected Minds, 91亚色鈥檚 Centre for AI & Society (CAIS) unites researchers from diverse backgrounds in generating AI innovation while seeking to ensure ethical AI deployment and adoption.

In laying the groundwork for CAIS, 91亚色 U鈥檚 AI & Society Task Force developed ideas and examined options for building and featuring 91亚色鈥檚 research strengths in AI. The group鈥檚 2021 report, 鈥淔ostering the Future of Artificial Intelligence,鈥� made forward-looking recommendations to achieve 91亚色鈥檚 goal of bolstering this crucial area of development.  

The task force recommendations have been guiding and further strengthening the research and innovation agenda at 91亚色, and helping attract top talent and focused investments. 91亚色鈥檚 emphasis on ethical AI development ensures responsible and inclusive technological growth in Canada and around the world.

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Led by 91亚色, in partnership with Queen鈥檚 University, Connected Minds is the largest 91亚色-led research program, with $318.4 million in funding, in part from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The first-of-its-kind program brings together experts from multiple disciplines to study the risks and benefits modern technology has on society 鈥� now and in the future 鈥� with a particular focus on equity-deserving groups.

The projects receiving this round of seed grants, overseen by professors at 91亚色 and Queen鈥檚, highlight the continued dedication of Connected Minds to support pioneering interdisciplinary research that bridges technology and society, driving progress toward a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all. From improving digital accessibility to developing cognitive health solutions, these projects are charting bold paths forward.

Elham Dolatabadi, assistant professor, Faculty of Health

Dolatabadi鈥檚 project, 鈥淒evelopment and Evaluation of Multimodal Neural Models for Health Within Canada,鈥� combines electroencephalogram (EEG) with functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional near-infrared spectroscopy in an effort to make brain-computer interface technology more affordable and accessible. The project involves collaborators from the Vector Institute 鈥� a Connected Minds partner 鈥� and the University of Toronto, focusing on inclusive health-care solutions for under-represented communities. It also emphasizes equitable data collection, model development and clinical testing, along with tailored training sessions for under-represented scholars.

Denielle Elliott, professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

In her project, 鈥淏etween Alzheimer's and War: The Struggle for Intimate and Social Memory in Yarumal, Colombia,鈥� Elliott explores how Alzheimer鈥檚 drug innovation intersects with memory preservation in Yarumal, Colombia. This town is affected by both a hereditary form of Alzheimer鈥檚 and the legacy of armed conflict. Collaborating with experts from the Neurosciences Group of Antioquia and Medell铆n University, the research examines the social and historical factors influencing Alzheimer鈥檚 drug development, the impact of conflict on clinical trials and the role of hope in promoting equity. Through ethnographic methods, the project documents the experiences of Alzheimer鈥檚-affected families while addressing health-care inequities in the Global South.

Mahtot Gebresselassie, assistant professor, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change

Addressing the pressing accessibility barriers faced by wheelchair users, Gebresselassie leads the project 鈥淒eveloping an AI-Based Tool for Optimizing Disability Accessibility of Pedestrian Networks in Marginalized Neighborhoods.鈥� Focusing on the Jane and Finch area in Toronto, the project integrates artificial intelligence (AI), aerial imagery and community insights to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. With expertise from Gaussian Solutions, the research aims to transform poorly maintained pedestrian networks into inclusive pathways, supporting equitable access to transportation in marginalized communities.

Keyvan Hashtrudi-Zaad, professor, Faculty of Smith Engineering at Queen鈥檚 University

Hashtrudi-Zaad leads the project 鈥淚nteractive Tools for Post-Stroke Task-Oriented Upper-Limb Robotic Rehabilitation.鈥� This research focuses on developing a home-based robotic rehabilitation system to help stroke survivors regain arm and hand functionality by practising real-life tasks such as pouring, ironing and driving. In collaboration with a researcher from Providence Care Hospital, the project integrates input from stroke survivors and therapists to ensure the system is engaging, safe and effective. It aims to increase rehabilitation access for underserved populations while addressing potential racial and ethnic differences in stroke outcomes through a diverse sample of participants.

Usman Khan, associate professor, Lassonde School of Engineering

The project 鈥淢achine Learning Integrated Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (ML-QMRA) for Health Risk-Based Water Treatment Optimization in Humanitarian Response鈥� focuses on improving water safety in the Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda. Led by Khan, the research co-creates a machine learning tool to optimize water treatment based on microbial risk assessments. Collaborating with the Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development, the project uses routine water quality data to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly for vulnerable refugee populations.

Liya Ma, assistant professor, Faculty of Health

Ma leads the project 鈥淢echanisms of Performance Monitoring: Marmoset Model.鈥� This research investigates the neural mechanisms underlying performance monitoring, focusing on the error-related negativity (ERN), an EEG signal associated with error detection. By comparing behavioural and neural data from humans and marmosets, the project aims to identify the brain regions involved in ERN generation. In collaboration with researchers from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Sunnybrook Research Institute 鈥� a Connected Minds partner 鈥� the research advances understanding of how the brain monitors errors and provides insights into mental health disorders. The findings also aim to support the development of reliable, wearable EEG technologies for improved diagnostics and treatment.

Ozzy Mermut, associate professor, Faculty of Science

The project 鈥淓rasing the Racism in Optical Technologies,鈥� led by Mermut, aims to identify and eliminate racial bias in optical devices. This research evaluates how such devices respond to variations in skin melanin content, focusing on how these variations affect the accuracy of everyday and medical tools. By developing artificial tissue models and utilizing machine learning, the project will uncover potential biases in devices used by people with darker skin tones. In collaboration with the Canadian Black Scientists Network and NIRx Medical Technologies, the project seeks to establish new standards for more inclusive, ethical optical technologies, ensuring they are accurate and equitable for all users.

Laleh Seyyed-Kalantari, assistant professor, Lassonde School of Engineering

Seyyed-Kalantari leads the project 鈥淒esign of Benchmarks for Fairness and Bias Evaluation and De-Biasing of Natural Language Model to Incorporate User Diversity.鈥� This research focuses on addressing fairness issues in large language models (LLMs), like OpenAI鈥檚 ChatGPT, which often favour majority groups due to biased training data. The project aims to design domain-specific testing benchmarks to assess and score fairness across diverse dimensions such as race, gender, religion and social status. By focusing on linguistic bias, particularly in the context of sentiment analysis, the work aims to mitigate stereotypes and ensure more inclusive LLMs that better support marginalized groups, including Indigenous people, racialized communities and those with disabilities. In collaboration with the Vector Institute 鈥� a Connected Minds partner 鈥� the project seeks to advance fairness and equity in AI technologies.

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AI and ML are transforming how companies operate, from optimizing supply chains and enhancing customer experiences to automating complex processes and generating actionable insights from vast data sets. Because of that, gaining a deep understanding of AI and ML is incredibly important for business students navigating the complexities of modern management and securing successful, future-proof careers.

鈥淎rtificial intelligence and machine learning continues to transform the private and public sectors,鈥� says Murat Kristal, program director of Schulich's MBA in Technology Leadership and co-ordinator of the new course. 鈥淭o remain relevant, businesses must continue to adapt to technology and understand the optimal use and potential implications.鈥�

Building on its leadership around these technologies 鈥� including having launched one of the world鈥檚 first master鈥檚 programs in AI 鈥� Schulich鈥檚 new online course, titled 鈥�,鈥� will lead graduate and undergraduate students through a curated series of modules, guest lectures and practical applications.

鈥淭his course is not just about understanding the future of technology and its impact on business,鈥� says Kristal. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about giving students the opportunity to develop leadership skills that will prepare them for the future challenges and benefits that AI and ML are rapidly introducing to the business world and beyond.鈥�

The curriculum will equip participants with a thorough understanding of AI fundamentals, machine learning basics and the transformative impact of generative language models on business strategies.

The course will also dive into topics such as data privacy, the impact of regulations around data, as well as the ethical use of data in AI models 鈥� areas within which 91亚色 is demonstrating leadership as it advances initiatives around socially responsible AI, such as with Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society.

Students will apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges, showcasing their ability to leverage AI and ML for strategic advantage with a capstone project that concludes the course. This project will allow students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate their skills in a practical and impactful manner.

鈥淭his course progresses Schulich鈥檚 mandate to develop innovative business leaders for the future,鈥� said Dean Detlev Zwick. 鈥淚t will ensure our students are well prepared to help companies deal with technological disruption and digital transformation in a variety of industries and sectors.鈥�

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According to Professor Kean Birch, the inaugural director of ITS, the institute was established to cement 91亚色鈥檚 international standing and reputation in disciplines such as science and technology studies, communication and media studies, design, critical data studies, the history and philosophy of science, and other related fields in which 91亚色 is a global leader. Aligned with the University鈥檚 Strategic Research Plan, especially when it comes to the topics of digital cultures and disruptive technologies, its members are actively engaged in research on the social, political, and economic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and neuroscience.

Birch is enthusiastic about the future of research in this area: 鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing a lot of interest in these topics," he says, "especially in the societal implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and other digital technologies."

He insists, however, the institute's depth in expertise is not limited to those areas, extending into topics such as the history of science through games design, the global governance of biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation.

To support this diversity of knowledge, ITS is organized into the following four research clusters to help create synergies and support collaboration:

• Technoscientific Injustices, which deals with the implications of emerging technoscience, its impacts on different social groups, and how to create just and inclusive science and technologies;
• Technoscientific Economies, which deals with the entanglement of science and with different economies, what kinds of innovation get promoted by which kinds of economy, and how to support responsible and inclusive innovation;
• Technoscientific Pasts & Futures, which deals with how the future of science and technology is bound up with our pasts and how the past helps us to build hopeful visions of and policies for the future; and
• Technoscientific Bodies & Minds, which deals with the societal implications of prevailing understandings of health risks, diseases, and health-care delivery, as well as how prevailing understandings reinforce social injustices, inequities and divisions.

The institute is making its impact known in Canadian debates about the role of science and technology in society. Recently, Birch was about the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Apple Inc. for antitrust violations; and his recent opinion pieces about and the were published in the Globe and Mail.

ITS plans to continue on this trajectory through regular events and policy briefing papers, as well as interventions in public and policy debates.

"91亚色 is incredibly well-placed to make an important social, political, and economic impact when it comes to these issues," explains Birch, "because of the institutional strength and expertise of faculty and early career researchers here.鈥�

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In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and technology profoundly shape society, guiding these advancements towards a healthier, more equitable future is crucial.

In that spirit, Connected Minds has now funded six projects spanning diverse research areas, goals and themes, to foster innovative research for societal good. 

The seed funding is part of the $105.7 million 91亚色, in partnership with Queen鈥檚 University, received from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, and it looks to further collaborative, transdisciplinary and exploratory research.

Connected Minds is especially committed to inclusivity, equity and community-centred research, reserving at least 20 per cent of its funding awards for Indigenous-led or community-guided projects 鈥� something that is reflected in its inaugural round of seed funding.

The 91亚色 recipients, and their projects, are:

Rebecca Caines, professor, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Caines鈥� project 颅鈥� titled "Towards Socially-Responsible 'Transfer Learning': Connecting Artists, Engineers, Neuroscientists and their Partners through Interdisciplinary Knowledge Mobilization鈥� 鈥� will look at interdisciplinary collaboration. The project will build on Caines' existing work, which often investigates the role of art and technology in social justice. It will consider how diverse knowledge bases 鈥� across disciplines 鈥� can help address societal changes through an emphasis on co-creation, ethical learning transfer and global collaboration. The research aims especially to foster inclusivity and collaboration with equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous communities.

Joseph DeSouza, professor, Faculty of Health

DeSouza鈥檚 funded project, 鈥淭he Intergenerational Healing Power of n锚hiyaw锚win (the Cree language)," will integrate Indigenous knowledge with neuroscience. Partnering with the organization the n锚hiyawak language experience, it will explore what positive impact on holistic health can be observed in individuals who re/learn the Cree language on holistic health. In the process, the research aims to revitalize n锚hiyaw锚win, restore treaty obligations and foster healing within the n锚hiyawak nation.

Michael Kalu, professor, Faculty of Health

Titled "Bridging Mobility Gaps: Co-designing Culturally Appropriate Mobility AI-Powered Wearable (CAMAiW) Tool for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Older Adults,鈥� Kalu鈥檚 initiative aims to advance inclusive wearable devices. The project鈥檚 goal is to integrate speed, distance, location tracking and other health/social monitoring features within a single tool. With a commitment to inclusivity and socially ethical technologies, the project will iteratively work with BIPOC communities to co-create and test the device.

Terry Sachlos, professor, Lassonde School of Engineering

Sachlos鈥檚 inclusive initiative is titled "Increasing African, Caribbean, and Black Donor Representation in the Canadian Bone Marrow Stem Cell Registry through Community Engagement and Co-creation of Tissue Engineered Bone Marrow to Mitigate Critical Stem Cell Transplant Shortages.鈥� It aims to engage with relevant community organizations and implement innovative biotechnology strategies to help dismantle barriers to health-care access and foster inclusivity towards a more equitable health-care system with a more representative bone marrow stem cell registry.

The Queen鈥檚 University recipients, and their projects, are:

Matthew Pan, professor, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science at Queen鈥檚 University

Pan鈥檚 project, "Meta-Physical Theatre: Designing 'Physical' Interactions in 'Virtual' Reality Live Performances," looks to enhance virtual reality experiences by integrating physical touch interactions through robotics and smart textiles, aiming to amplify immersivity.

Committed to equity and diversity, the team collaborates with arts organizations focused on racialization to foster inclusivity and develop best practices for cross-cultural sensitivity in virtual interactions.

Qingguo Li, professor, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science at Queen鈥檚 University

Targeting health-care staff, Li鈥檚 project 鈥� "Exo-Sensory Augmentation to Reduce Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Clinical Settings" 鈥� aims to mitigate injury risks, enhancing sensory awareness to improve task performance and prevent injuries. With inclusivity as a priority, the project endeavours to develop accessible wearable technology for clinicians of all backgrounds.

The announcement of Connected Minds' inaugural seed funding marks the latest instance of the project鈥檚 ongoing progress 鈥� and beyond 鈥� which has included onboarding 14 research-enhanced hires, conferences and events, and new leadership with Pina D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞.

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鈥淐AIS is one of the founding organized research units of Connected Minds, which unites research on neuroscience, AI and technology to foster a healthy and just society,鈥� says Professor James Elder, the 91亚色 Research Chair in Human and Computer Vision, who co-heads CAIS. 鈥淚t is particularly important in generating novel and beneficial technologies that will improve quality of life in Canada and elsewhere, but also in understanding how these disruptive technologies can best be integrated into society in order to minimize risk and maximize benefit for all.鈥�

The centre combines various disciplines, including behavioural and neuroscience studies, computational modelling, statistical analysis and computer vision design. The objective is to not only advance fundamental perception science and AI but also hold implications for urban mobility, social robotics and sports analytics.

The origins of CAIS sprung from 91亚色鈥檚 strategic vision, outlined in its 2018鈥�2023 Strategic Research Plan, which identified AI integration into society as a crucial area for development. To make that happen, Elder collaborated with Osgoode Hall Law School Professor Pina D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞 to form and lead a task force to evaluate 91亚色鈥檚 AI landscape and chart a course for future research development.

Their findings, published in the report 鈥淔ostering the Future of Artificial Intelligence,鈥� laid the groundwork for CAIS, which officially launched in July 2022, uniting faculty members from diverse backgrounds and Faculties.

Guided by Elder and D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞, CAIS鈥檚 mission extends beyond academic discourse. The centre aims to foster a sense of community among researchers engaged in AI and society studies while promoting dialogue through lectures and conferences on critical issues such as technology and democracy, and disability considerations in AI. Most recently, it co-organized of the Bracing for Impact conference, in addition to the latest entry of

Looking ahead, CAIS recently and intends to expand its seminar series while hosting additional conferences, and involving more trainees, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

These efforts and more align with 91亚色鈥檚 broader institutional goals under the interdisciplinary, $318.4-million Connected Minds initiative, which is currently investigating how emerging technologies, such as AI, are impacting and transforming society.

As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, CAIS remains committed to driving innovation while ensuring responsible AI deployment. By fostering collaboration, dialogue and cutting-edge research, the centre aims to shape a future where AI serves as a force for positive societal change.

Adds Elder, 鈥淥ur systems approach places emphasis on how AI technologies operate when embedded in real-world contexts, interacting with humans and other technologies. Our research focuses on AI systems that address societal priorities in health care, smart cities and sustainability, and that are fair, explainable, reliable and trusted.鈥�

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鈥淚 am incredibly humbled and honoured to be recognized by the very community that I have deep roots in,鈥� said D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞. 鈥淢y parents were both immigrants from Italy to Canada and, like many others seeking a better future for their families, came without speaking a word of English and with nothing but their dreams for a better future. I dedicate this award to them for all their sacrifices.鈥�

She added: 鈥淎s a woman, I stand with so many other women who continue to face barriers in their personal and professional lives. I join an impressive group of female recipients of this award and am grateful to CIBPA for shining the spotlight on our many successes.鈥�

Last week, D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞 assumed her new role as scientific director of Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society, the $318.4-million, 91亚色-led research program focused on socially responsible technologies, supported in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

In addition to her role with Connected Minds, D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞 is the founder and former director of IP Osgoode and the co-director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Society. Her research explores issues related to artificial intelligence through a legal lens, including data governance and ownership, intellectual property, emerging technologies, and innovation law and policy.

Since 2010, D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞 has also been the founder and director of the IP Innovation Clinic based at Osgoode Hall Law School, where she has helped startups across the University and beyond by engaging law students and leading intellectual property lawyers to provide help pro-bono amounting to more than $2 million in otherwise billable fees.

鈥淗er remarkable contributions to law, technology, and education have set her apart as a leader in her field and an inspiration to us all,鈥� said CIBPA President Tony Cocuzzo.

D鈥橝驳辞蝉迟颈苍辞 and her work will be honoured at a on March 20.

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