UBC faculty and researchers lead in developing the algorithms that power AI and in developing new applications of AI that are changing research and generating impacts in areas as diverse as human and environmental health, language and culture, and the discovery and optimization of materials. UBC is a hub for AI initiatives, programs and laboratories, with a focus on research, education, and practical application. Stay tuned.
Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action (CAIDA) https://caida.ubc.ca/. CAIDA is UBC's primary AI research organization, involving 83 professors across 24 departments. It focuses on developing, analyzing, and applying AI systems for decision-making and action, leveraging technologies like machine learning and automated reasoning. Research in probabilistic programming, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Applications in computer vision, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Events like the AIM-SI Tutorial Series, such as "Understanding Artificial Intelligence" by Kevin Leyton-Brown (July 22, 2025). CAIDA bridges theory and practice, with projects like low-rank fine-tuning in large language models (LLMs).
AI Education and Micro-Certificate Programs. UBC Extended Learning (ExL). https://extendedlearning.ubc.ca/areas-study/artificial-intelligence-ai offers micro-certificate programs in AI, including AI Cloud Solutions Strategy: Focuses on planning and implementing AI in cloud environments. AI-Powered Automation and Personalization: Teaches skills to optimize AI technologies for digital media. AI Development of Interactive Experiences: Explores AI in digital media to enhance user experiences. AI and Society: Ethics and Impact: Addresses ethical implications of AI integration. These programs involve 5–7 hours of weekly activities, including online classes, case studies, and discussions, with no required textbooks. Vancouver Summer Program (UBCx AI VSP) offers two course packages (39 hours each) on AI fundamentals and applications in media development, including hands-on workshops and interactive lectures. Master of Data Science in Computational Linguistics is a 10-month program combining AI, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) for language and data enthusiasts.
AI in Teaching and Learning https://ai.ctlt.ubc.ca/ - Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) supports faculty and staff in using generative AI (GenAI) for teaching. Activities include workshops on designing AI-aligned learning activities and redesigning assessments to reflect AI-enhanced learning. Microsoft Copilot is the only PIA-approved GenAI tool for classroom use, offering unlimited text and image generation for staff. Learning Design & Digital Innovation (LDDI) Unit:Hosts professional development sessions, such as the April 2024 workshop on AI in the workplace, exploring ethical concerns and practical applications. Provides resources like AI syllabus statements and ethics-focused literacy tools to ensure responsible AI use in education. Faculty of Education: activities include using Microsoft Copilot for tasks like drafting emails, generating content, and analyzing bias in AI-generated images.
AI Research Applications Across Disciplines at UBC
Materials and Environmental Health: Acceleration Consortium, led by UBC researchers, uses AI in self-driving labs for material discovery, supported by a $200-million grant.
Community Engagement and Industry Collaboration AI Network of BC (AInBC). UBC collaborates with AInBC to connect innovators and businesses, fostering AI research and education. Programs such as Athena Pathways empower women in AI through training and mentorship. Data Science Institute: Supports AI-driven research by providing tools and expertise for big data applications across disciplines.
AI Committee at UBC https://genai.ubc.ca/committee/ develops principles for GenAI in teaching and learning, ensuring alignment with academic integrity policies. Courses and workshops address ethical implications, such as bias in AI outputs and societal impacts. Ethical and Policy Frameworks. UBC emphasizes responsible AI use through guidelines on privacy, security, and ethics.
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