As artificial intelligence reshapes classrooms, hospitals, farms, courtrooms, newsrooms and workplaces, Dr. Frank Rudzicz posed an urgent regional question.
“Will Atlantic Canada merely adopt systems and decisions developed elsewhere,” he asked. “Or will we help design, evaluate, govern and apply them ourselves?”
That question was at the heart of last week’s launch of the Atlantic AI Institute (A2I2), a new Dalhousie initiative designed to bring together researchers, students, partners, and communities to advance responsible AI research, education and innovation.
Dr. Rudzicz said AI has quickly moved from a specialized technology to a powerful tool affecting nearly every part of society, changing how questions are asked, how knowledge is created, how people are trained, and how institutions serve the public.
A Senate-approved research institute in support of Dal’s strategic research cluster in AI and Digital Innovation, A2I2 seeks to create connections — on campus and beyond — where people across disciplines, sectors and communities can work together to understand AI’s benefits, risks and real-world consequences, while ensuring regional voices are part of those conversations from the beginning.
“We need their leadership, not merely their participation,” said Dr. Rudzicz. “We want this institute to be a nexus where these perspectives meet from the very beginning.”
“Collaborative, cross-disciplinary research is essential to help Canada harness its capabilities to deliver social and economic benefits,” says Graham Gagnon, vice-president research and innovation at Dalhousie. “It’s a strategic priority for our researchers and University to have leading Research Institutes that can foster new ideas and educate new talent in transdisciplinary topics that ultimately elevates our economy and social impact— and A2I2 will leverage Dalhousie’s robust research expertise in AI to support those priorities.”
A new chapter for AI research at Dalhousie
A2I2 builds on work first initiated at Dalhousie in 2013 with the Institute for Big Data Analytics. Led by Dr. Stan Matwin, that institute brought together fundamental and applied research, advanced training, and industry partnerships.
With advances in machine learning creating new opportunities and new risks, Dr. Rudzicz (left) and colleagues saw an opportunity to expand that vision and ambition with a more collaborative model.
“It is now clear that Dalhousie needs a more focused and modern approach to AI and machine learning, broader participation across campus, and a more sustainable operational model,” he said.
The research institute launches with approximately 50 core members, representation from 10 Faculties and Units, and more than 100 students and postdoctoral researchers connected to its members.
A governing council will provide strategic direction and accountability, while an advisory council will bring external perspectives to help ensure the institute’s work remains relevant to Atlantic Canada, the country, and the broader AI ecosystem.
A2I2’s work is organized around three intersecting pillars:
- Research: Bringing together interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex AI questions that are too large or too connected for any single lab to address alone.
- Academics: Creating new opportunities for students, postdoctoral researchers and working professionals through learning experiences, academic programs, microcredentials, and mentorship.
- Community: Collaborating with industry, governments, hospitals, nonprofits, and the public to identify real-world problems, share knowledge and support training, innovation and research commercialization.
Last Thursday’s launch offered a preliminary look at the breadth of work already underway, with researchers, instructors, and partners sharing short presentations of their work and insights to date. A panel discussion also gave attendees an opportunity to hear from colleagues and partners heavily involved in AI, and to help shape the institute’s direction as it begins its work.
Jennifer LaPlante, deputy minister of Nova Scotia’s Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, emphasized that responsible AI adoption must begin with critical thinking, public participation and a clear understanding of what makes human judgment and connection essential.
“We need to learn how to think critically before we use AI,” she said. “If we can leverage AI for us to be more productive, more efficient, and grow our economy, that’s what we need to be focused on.”
LaPlante also pointed to ongoing national conversations about AI, encouraging attendees — and others with knowledge and perspective to share — to take part in the Government of Canada’s public consultation on advancing AI transparency, open until September 23. She said informed input now will be critical to shaping rules that protect people while supporting innovation.
Building the A2I2 network
Faculty, staff, students and partners interested in learning more about A2I2 or exploring opportunities to collaborate can visit https://projects.cs.dal.ca/a2i2/ or contact a2i2@dal.ca.The institute will continue building its network in the months ahead as it develops its strategic direction and expands opportunities for research, learning and community partnership.
“Since we’re very much at the beginning, it’s really a great time to set our strategic direction more collaboratively for this whole body,” said Dr. Rudzicz.