Obvia announces the funding of five new teams under the Thematic Intervention Projects program, aimed at encouraging and supporting scientific intervention research from an interdisciplinary and intersectoral perspective. It promotes close collaboration between the research community and all stakeholders around challenges and priority issues, all within the framework of open science.
Aligned with Obvia's mission and scientific objectives, these projects will facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge between the scientific community and various stakeholders.
These initial projects focus on priority themes for stakeholders, including environmental issues related to digital and AI technologies, information transformation, the impact of AI on enhancing employability for individuals with autism, the citizen perspective on AI deployment in public services, and safeguarding the elderly from AI-related fraud risks.
Deploying eco-digital literacy in Quebec - Citizen conversations in public libraries on the connections between digital technology, AI, and the environment
Principal researcher : Christophe Abrassart, Coresponsable de l'axe Sobriété numérique et transition socio-écologique
Public libraries as third places play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy in Quebec. With the emerging concept of "eco-digital literacy," this project highlights that environmental issues related to digital technologies and AI are a central dimension of digital literacy. In this perspective, the project proposes to organize ten pilot workshops of citizen conversations in public libraries in 2024-2025 on this theme. These workshops will mobilize prospective scenarios on digital sobriety in Quebec by 2050 to stimulate exchanges and reflections. Drawing on a proven methodology of participatory foresight, these workshops will aim to disseminate knowledge developed within Obvia's Digital Sobriety Research Axis to a broad audience. At the conclusion of these workshops, an activity report with recommendations will be produced. Moreover, this project could lead to a longer-term partnership between public libraries in Quebec and Obvia.
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Optimization of editorial processes at Radio-Canada based on information-seeking motivations and user profiles
Principal researcher :Colette Brin, Coresponsable de l'axe Arts, médias et diversité culturelle
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems raise significant concerns regarding the quality and reliability of online information. The project aims to develop an analytical tool for Radio-Canada that will optimize editorial processes based on user motivations and profiles. This project is distinguished by its interdisciplinary and intersectoral nature, combining diverse expertise to develop advanced methods for analyzing and managing information.The project implementation includes phases of testing and automated coding of Radio-Canada's journalistic content to detect patterns in information consumption. This will facilitate more targeted, efficient content distribution that aligns with the values of this public service media and responsible AI practices. Expected outcomes of the project include the publication of an accessible report, knowledge mobilization and transfer activities, and contributions to a better understanding of technological challenges in media.
Promoting employability for autistic individuals - Transfer of human processes and AI technologies
Principal researcher : Jocelyne Kiss, (Université Laval)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) harnesses unprecedented capabilities through Machine Learning to grasp, represent, and transmit knowledge that would otherwise be elusive. This fundamental contribution to knowledge representation was explored in our previous study aimed at enhancing the employability of neurodivergent individuals. It led to the development of a system to tangibly represent real-time social interactions, with initial results demonstrating its potential to support the professional integration of neurodivergent individuals. Here, we propose activities to ensure the sustainability of knowledge transfer and our AI-driven technological framework. We will assess its social impacts among stakeholders and project partners while adhering to ethical considerations regarding trust and data management in AI applications for vulnerable individuals with disabilities.
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Citizen perspective on the deployment of responsible and trustworthy AI in public services
Principal researcher : Karine Gentelet, directrice Collaboration avec la société civile
Obvia is joining Communautique's initiative to conduct a consultation process on the citizen perspective regarding the deployment of AI in public services. The project will create a space for dialogue with citizens on how AI should redefine government services. Divided into two phases, the consultation includes an initial citizen meeting to gather existing viewpoints and stimulate the emergence of various scenarios for appropriate government services. A second meeting will focus on developing prototypes of responsible AI usage based on the identified scenarios, aiming to better meet citizens' needs through public services. The outcomes of the project include:
- A first report on citizens' considerations regarding the conditions of AI usage in public services.
- Methodological contributions to citizen consultation on AI issues.
Seniors and deepfakes: promoting cyber-resilience through education
Principal researcher : Nadia Naffi, Coresponsable de l'axe Éducation et capacitation
Our project aligns with Obvia's mission, which focuses on human well-being and the development of an informed and resilient society. It aims to empower older adults, particularly vulnerable to digital frauds and manipulations, including "deepfakes," a concerning form of misinformation in the AI era. Through innovative educational approaches, we seek to enhance their personal and financial security in the digital realm.Through co-construction of knowledge activities involving deepfake technologies and the development of critical skills to evaluate the truthfulness of online content, we aim to provide seniors with the necessary tools to navigate safely and knowledgeably in an increasingly complex media environment. By adapting pedagogical strategies derived from previous research on digital agency, our initiative aims to reduce risks for this population, thereby strengthening their digital autonomy and cyber resilience.
