Steven Murphy
PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
Lori Livingston
PhD, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Ontario Tech University
Ethics and accountability must guide the people developing AI as new technologies are introduced into the way we live, work and communicate.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, from medical breakthroughs to new ways of addressing complex social challenges. As AI becomes increasingly embedded into daily life, it prompts urgent questions for society: how do we build technologies the public can trust? And how do we ensure innovation doesn’t outpace the ethical frameworks or skilled talent required to guide it?
Ontario Tech University is leading this work with an ethics-by-design philosophy that embeds human values into every stage of tech innovation and development. The priority is to translate intention into meaningful, measurable action.
A commitment to tech with a conscience
For Ontario Tech, ethical AI development isn’t an afterthought — it’s a foundation.
“By addressing privacy, data protection, and bias early in AI’s development, we prioritize human-centred oversight and accountability. This strengthens AI’s reliability and ensures its application is used in ways that are ethical, socially responsible, and forward-looking,” says Steven Murphy, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor at Ontario Tech University. “Within this framework, AI remains a tool for progress, not a replacement for human creativity.”
This commitment, grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability, has become one of the university’s defining strengths.
Where collaboration meets real-world need
Ethical approaches to AI cannot be developed in isolation. They must be shaped, tested, and refined through partnerships that reflect diverse needs and lived experiences.
Across multiple sectors, Ontario Tech works with organizations to co-create advanced and responsibly designed AI solutions. With Lakeridge Health, the university is developing tools that help improve patient care, predict service demands, reduce system costs, and address issues such as patient social isolation.
AI is no longer just a specialization — it’s an essential discipline that plays a major role in shaping our future.
Ontario Tech is also working with CNIB to integrate accessibility into AI designs from the beginning. This approach ensures people of all abilities are involved early, resulting in solutions that genuinely support them and their needs.
These collaborations reinforce a shared belief that AI innovations must be designed to uplift communities and expand opportunity above all else.
Building skills, standards, and a strong talent pipeline
As industry and governments search for ways to responsibly regulate emerging technologies, Ontario Tech is helping lead the way forward. The Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute brings together multi-disciplinary experts to study AI’s impact on human well-being and inform global policies and standards.
That same commitment shapes the university’s approach to education. Through Canada’s first School of Ethical Artificial Intelligence, students gain both the technical expertise and moral judgment that an AI-driven economy demands.
Ontario Tech prepares graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, skill, and purpose. With more than 65 AI-related courses, plus co-ops and internships supported by more than 500 partners, students develop deep expertise, strong ethical awareness, and the hands-on experience that employers demand. As AI transforms every industry, this talent pipeline positions Ontario Tech graduates not just to lead in the careers of today, but to define the future of work.
“AI is no longer just a specialization — it’s an essential discipline that plays a major role in shaping our future. Ontario Tech will remain committed to strengthening Canada’s leadership in AI innovation and in responsible AI education and application,” says Lori Livingston, PhD, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Ontario Tech University.
A model for responsible advancement
AI’s influence will continue to grow at a rapid pace, and Ontario Tech shows how ethical leadership can and should evolve with it. By combining research excellence, community partnerships, and education that puts responsibility at the forefront, the university is charting an ambitious and accountable path for the future of AI.
The message is clear: progress is strongest when guided by conscience.
Learn more at ontariotechu.ca/ai.
