The research aims to optimize the benefits and mitigate the risks of a techno-social collective
York University celebrated a historic research funding award with a grant of $105.7 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) for a transformative new research initiative called Connected Minds: Neural & Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society.
Connected Minds is a first of its kind, interdisciplinary research program that will work to ensure the future of AI is fair and equitable. The seven-year project will create an international hub of expertise in socially responsible research and technology to optimize the societal benefits and mitigate the risks of human-machine interactions. The project draws on expertise from five faculties – Health, Osgoode Hall Law School, Lassonde School of Engineering, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design, as well as six organized research units.
With combined contributions from multi-sector partners, municipal governments and collaborating institutions, the total funding amounts to $318.4 million, making Connected Minds the largest York-led research program in the University’s history.