Training next generation of leaders in responsible use of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world in powerful ways, from improving medical care and changing the retail landscape to enabling convenient features on our smartphones. But as AI increasingly underpins our daily lives, important questions about its application – and potential misuse – will continue to arise. A new cohort of students will soon be poised to tackle these crucial questions head on, thanks to a fellowship and award program being established at McGill University through a generous $2-million donation to the Faculty of Science from BMO Financial Group. The fellowship program, open to graduate students, and the award program, open to undergraduate students from across the University, aims to train the next generation of professionals in the important ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI. The program will equip not just computer scientists and software developers, but also future industry leaders and policy makers with the necessary grounding and skills in the responsible and ethical use of AI, while attracting a diverse group of voices to the field.