AI is a powerful tool that for some evokes fears of a dystopian future - certainly popular culture has helped with this view - but in fact, we know this tool can be harnessed for good, and the University of Guelph has emerged as a leader in groundbreaking AI research and innovation to do just that. By integrating cutting-edge technology with our renowned strengths in food, agriculture, collaborative, community-focused research and multidisciplinary practices, the University is shaping the future of AI to transform food security and sustainability, predict public health challenges and ensure it is used responsibly.

We have many researchers working in these areas, and three main research hubs, each pushing the boundaries of what's possible in their respective domains.

CARE-AI: A Multidisciplinary Approach to AI

The Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI) focuses on ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, addressing critical ethical, environmental and social considerations.

This multidisciplinary research hub brings together experts from all seven colleges on campus to advance AI methods and application scope while exploring questions about AI ethics, policy, and governance. Researchers at CARE-AI are leading projects that examine bias in machine learning algorithms, develop frameworks for ethical AI use, and study the implications of AI on marginalized communities. The centre also collaborates with industry and government to create policies that promote transparency and accountability in AI systems.

AI4Food: Revolutionizing the Agri-Food Sector

As a leader in agricultural research, the University of Guelph has leveraged its expertise to establish AI4Food, a program dedicated to transforming the agri-food sector through artificial intelligence.

To this end, AI4Food has built a network of national and international leaders to collaborate on creating new knowledge and innovative AI solutions to enhance resilience, safety and sustainability of agriculture and food systems.

AI4Food aims not only to foster innovation but also to tackle broader regional and multi-jurisdictional strategies for the responsible development, application, and integration of AI technologies in real-world agri-food contexts. By fostering partnerships with the stakeholders in the agri-food sector, including farmers, industry partners, and policymakers, AI4Food aims to establish strong governance frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability, trust, and fair returns on investment for all the stakeholders in the supply chain.

To achieve these goals, A4Food has convened national and international dialogues and workshops on the use of AI in the agri-food sector.

AI4Casting: Advancing Public Health Through AI

The AI4Casting Hub at the University of Guelph is an innovative initiative that focuses on advancing public health through cutting-edge forecasting models for both endemic and emerging human diseases. By harnessing the power of mathematical, statistical, and computational models, AI4Casting provides continuous forecasting for diseases like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.

The newly launched Hub collaborates with industry and organizations like Public Health Ontario and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support public health planning and pandemic preparedness, reducing the impact of diseases. The Hub's work emphasizes public policy and public knowledge, aiming to incorporate human behavioral factors that influence disease spread.

A Collaborative Future

The University of Guelph's AI initiatives are distinguished not only by their technical advancements but also by their focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application. CARE-AI, AI4Food, and AI4Casting demonstrate the University's commitment to using AI as a tool for positive change, addressing critical challenges across diverse sectors.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations, the University of Guelph is poised to remain at the forefront of AI research and innovation. As the demand for responsible, impactful AI solutions grows, these programs will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology for the betterment of society.

AI tools were used to generate ideas for this article.