Obvia (Observatoire sur les impacts sociétaux de l'intelligence artificielle et du numérique) unveiled its scientific program for the 2023-2028 period at a landmark event held on January 26 at HEC Montréal's Hélène-Desmarais building.
Nearly 200 Obvia member researchers and representatives of partner organizations gathered to mark the start of the second phase of the observatory, created in 2019 at the initiative of the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). Also in attendance were Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy; Rémi Quirion, Quebec's Chief Scientist; Luc Sirois, Quebec's Chief Innovator; and Sophie d'Amours, Rector of Université Laval.
Mr. Fitzgibbon was quick to emphasize Obvia's relevance, saying, "Obvia's activities will certainly equip public decision-makers on AI governance issues. They will also help develop citizens' abilities to take better advantage of AI and digital technologies."
Last October, Obvia announced that it had received a new grant from the Fonds de recherche du Québec for the period 2023-2028, for a total amount of $15 million.
According to Obvia's Executive Director, Lyse Langlois, this funding will support new interdisciplinary research teams, accompany emerging projects and the next generation of scientists, strengthen knowledge mobilization and transfer activities, improve digital literacy and stimulate public participation in the debates sparked by AI and digital technologies.
"The achievements produced at Obvia support science-based decision-making, which contributes to robust public policy and responsible planning, while offering solutions informed by public deliberation."
According to Lyse Langlois, Obvia's activities will help solidify Quebec's leadership in addressing the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, in a context where many governments are seeking to ensure the responsible development, deployment and use of AI.
For information and interview requests :
Flavie Halais
Communication Advisor
Obvia
flavie.halais@obvia.ca
