The Centre, housed at the Faculty of Engineering, brings together about 50 experts who work with industry, government and academic partners. Together, they develop novel AI solutions to real-world operational challenges, while addressing safety, privacy, security, regulation and the broader effects of AI on society.
The vision behind the Centre
AI is increasingly being used outside research labs. It already supports decision-making--- sometimes autonomously---in areas such as health care, banking, energy, and transportation. At the same time, laws and regulations are still catching up. uOttawa is positioning itself to bridge that gap, turning its own AI research into systems organizations can deploy with confidence. What sets the Centre apart is its focus on applying AI safely in key engineering areas.
“AI works best when it’s designed for the real world,” says Lionel Briand, Director of the Centre, Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Distinguished Research Chair in Trustworthy AI-Enabled Software Systems. “Our job is to help organizations turn their big ideas into AI systems that people can actually understand, test, and trust.”
The Centre’s expertise goes well beyond fundamental research. Its work spans smart energy systems, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. By integrating AI with engineering, cybersecurity, communications, and related disciplines, the Centre is advancing innovative applications such as real-time energy optimization, renewable-energy integration, more resilient power grids, and the coordination of autonomous vehicle and drone fleets.
“Trustworthy AI isn’t just about strong technical performance,” Professor Briand points out. “It takes rigorous research and engineering, but also a real commitment to human values, good governance, and understanding where and how these systems can be effectively used. That’s why our Centre brings together experts from all kinds of backgrounds.”
“Our job is to help organizations turn their big ideas into AI systems that people can actually understand, test, and trust”
Lionel Briand
— Director of the Centre, Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Co-developing the future of AI
Organizations that partner with the Centre gain direct access to its researchers, engineers, and applied AI expertise, so they can co-develop safe and novel applications suited to their own operations. Partners also have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of AI talent.
The Centre’s application domains show the range of problems AI can help solve. Researchers work across a wide range of sectors, including health care, telecommunications, finance, manufacturing, transportation, public infrastructure, and national security, among others. Researchers are developing novel AI solutions adapted to each industry, accounting for social, technical, and operational conditions.
Whether an organization is exploring its first AI project or looking to make existing systems safer and more reliable, the Center welcomes new collaborations with industry, government, and community partners.
“Canada needs AI that earns trust in labs, in workplaces, and in everyday life,” concludes Professor Briand. “By connecting leading research with the needs of real organizations and communities, uOttawa is helping build an ambitious, responsible future for AI.”
To learn more or to explore a partnership, visit: Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence.
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