Collaborating for responsible AI
Partnering to live and work well with AI.
McGill researchers are partnering across disciplines to harness the power of AI for the benefit of society.
Today, we are surrounded by Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven processes.
But the technology is evolving faster than we can adapt, and ethical, financial and social harms often only emerge after the damage is done.
There is great potential for AI and novel technology to have a positive impact on sustainability, global health and education – but we must harness that potential.
The McGill Collaborative for AI and Society (McCAIS) – which is hosted by the Computational and Data Systems Institute (CDSI) in the Faculty of Science – is working toward this goal.
McCAIS is a truly interdisciplinary, McGill-wide effort that brings all faculties together to understand the impact of AI on society and develop evidence-based best practices for its responsible use.
Join us as we empower people, institutions, industries and governments to live and work well with AI.
Thought leadership in AI innovation
Across McGill, researchers from all faculties are building deep expertise in AI and machine learning that spans a wide range of disciplines, from fundamental science and robotics to healthcare, medicine and sustainability.
They are working collaboratively with universities, governments and corporations to address critical questions around socially responsible AI innovation, and to promote practices that ensure AI and big data are benefiting society.
With your support, we can deepen our expertise in these areas and grow our thought leadership by:
- Establishing research hubs in areas such as ethics, human nature and generative AI and technology; smart agri-food; and disruption management
- Developing public engagement and knowledge exchange mechanisms such as workshops, podcasts and embedded sabbaticals
Research to action
A pillar of our work is Research to action: ensuring that research is adapted responsibly and has real impact beyond the academic setting.
Your gift will play a pivotal role in strengthening our teams’ ability to translate research into real-world solutions.
With donor support, we will:
- Sustain the following research seed funding programs:
- Launch a new AI in Software Development Program to address AI disruption around coding
- Catalyze innovation in creative AI (games, music and storytelling)
- Further explore and incorporate ethical and inclusive AI systems design
Future-ready students
CDSI and McCAIS offer a rich ecosystem of experiential learning opportunities to complement what students learn through their primary degree programs. These opportunities help students move from classroom theory to real-world applications, preparing them to bring their knowledge and skills into future careers.
With your support, we can offer students opportunities to get practical experience while expanding their networks, such as:
- Hackathons and challenges
- Industry networking and mentoring events
- Internships
- Innovation hubs
Lifelong learning
In the face of rapid advances in AI, we are developing educational resources to support learning around the ethical and responsible development and adoption of AI in society.
With your support, we can empower learners across sectors and at all stages of their careers to leverage the potential of AI ethically and responsibly.
Donor funding will allow us to develop new resources and programs such as:
- An interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Ethics & Responsible AI
- AI for Society Fellowship Program
- Integrated modules in the CDSI training series
- Workforce training workshops
- Online learning opportunities such as tutorials, certificates and micro-credentials
The McCAIS Opportunities Fund
Giving through the McCAIS Opportunities Fund is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference with your donation. Your gift will help us advance our major priorities outlined above, while also giving us the flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities quickly and strategically.
