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Ontario Tech University, together with its partners, celebrates the official opening of the Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute and the leadership role it will take in advancing ethical, people-first AI. Also pictured: the Honourable Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement and Minister of Provincial Parliament (MPP) of Oakville; the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry; and Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and MPP of Whitby.
Ontario Tech University, together with its partners, celebrates the official opening of the Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute and the leadership role it will take in advancing ethical, people-first AI. Also pictured: the Honourable Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement and Minister of Provincial Parliament (MPP) of Oakville; the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry; and Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and MPP of Whitby.

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people live, work and learn, from reshaping health care and classrooms to redefining digital security, careers and creativity. As AI becomes more powerful and widespread, the world needs leadership that ensures technology improves the human condition and our planet.

Ontario Tech University is answering that call with the launch of the Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (MAIRI), a new, interdisciplinary hub that positions Canada at the forefront of ethical, people-first AI. MAIRI and the people leading it share a clear vision: a thoughtful, intentional and inclusive approach to AI research and innovation that supports humanity and global flourishing.

AI for good, grounded in humanity

MAIRI’s research focuses on creating the technology needed to realize the vision of AI for good, built on a deep understanding of people, society, organizations and the planet.

MAIRI’s research priorities include:

  • Building AI responsibly: Promoting fairness and justice, tackling social exclusion and working in partnership to ensure technology benefits everyone, while building systems that are safe and put less strain on our environment.
  • Empowering humanity: Creating intelligent machines for social good that positively reshape education, health care, the workforce and communities, opening new opportunities for social and planetary benefit.
  • Developing social intelligence: Building AI with self-awareness, the ability to understand and respond to social and emotional context, to support co-operation and collective action.

Powered by collaboration

With more than 50 researchers representing every Ontario Tech faculty, interdisciplinary expertise, and key partnerships spanning academia, industry and community, MAIRI is a powerful example of practical, thoughtful innovation in action.

Partners include:

  • Canadian National Institute for the Blind
  • Lakeridge Health
  • Meta
  • Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

These partners drive innovations in health, education and data governance, while setting new industry and national standards for AI.

Leadership with purpose

MAIRI brings together experts across many disciplines. Our leadership team comprises:

  • Dr. Peter Lewis (Director) - Trustworthy AI
  • Dr. Jeremy Bradbury - Software visualization, human-centred software engineering
  • Dr. Janette Hughes - Technology and pedagogy
  • Dr. Steven Livingstone - Affective data science
  • Dr. Masoud Makrehchi - AI and machine learning, text and data mining, natural language processing
  • Dr. Isabel Pedersen - Embodied computing, augmented reality, wearable technologies, emergent media, AI ethics
  • Dr. David Rudoler - Health economics research, data science
  • Dr. Bobby Stojanoski - Developmental neuroscience and social cognition

Ontario Tech is where technology meets conscience: a university shaping the ethical leaders of tomorrow. MAIRI embodies this vision, ensuring that the next generation of AI transforms society, for good.

Learn more about MAIRI and Ontario Tech’s leadership in responsible AI innovation: ontariotechu.ca/ai.

Quotes

“One of the great stories of the 2020s will undoubtedly be the accelerating development and use of AI technology, along with its profound impact on humanity. To ensure AI is an empowering technology, we must prioritize our values of dignity, inclusivity and intellectual curiosity through its development. Through MAIRI, we are championing an approach to AI research and innovation that is thoughtful, interdisciplinary and done in partnership.”
-Dr. Peter Lewis, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology; Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence; and Director, MAIRI, Ontario Tech University 

“Ontario Tech has established itself as a national leader in applied and responsible AI. The Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute builds on our university’s strengths in innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring Canada’s AI future is not only technologically advanced but also ethical, inclusive and sustainable.”
-Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University