Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in AI
CIFAR and our partners are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the Canadian AI ecosystem and globally, to ensure that AI is developed and deployed to the benefit of all citizens of the world.
CIFAR's EDI Action Plan
CIFAR NextGen AI Training Programs
Each year CIFAR and our partners provide hundreds of Canadian and international students– from high school students to postdoctoral fellows–with training opportunities that help them develop the skills, expertise and networks they need to be successful in their future careers.
These programs are dedicated to engaging equity-deserving groups in AI, and supporting programs that advance AI approaches for positive societal benefits.
CIFAR Inclusive AI Scholarship Program
To lower barriers to participation of Black and Indigenous students in CIFAR’s partnered AI training programs, CIFAR is pleased to support the full costs of participation of self-identified Black and Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) students in AI training programs delivered by our current NextGen AI Training Program partners listed below.
Information about how to apply for this scholarship is available in the application forms for the partner programs.
Actua
For youth
Actua is a leading Canadian organization unlocking the infinite potential of youth through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Together with a national network of over 40 universities and colleges, Actua engages youth from all corners of the country in transformational STEM & artificial intelligence learning experiences that build critical employability skills and confidence.
With support from CIFAR, Actua is piloting a culturally inclusive AI education curriculum for Indigenous high school students to help build skills and career pathways in AI and contribute to a more inclusive AI Canadian ecosystem.
Caregivers and Machine Learning
This six-week machine learning (ML) course is designed to tap into the talent of stay-at-home parents on maternity and/or parental leave to facilitate their participation in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. It is an introduction to core concepts in ML with applications in computer vision and natural language processing. The course is developed and delivered by faculty and staff at the Vector Institute and includes funds generously provided by Vector and CIFAR to help cover the cost of child care.
Recognizing the underrepresentation of women (cisgender and transgender), non-binary and Two-Spirit people in the field of AI, preference will be given to applicants who identify as such.
CIFAR Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning Summer School (DLRL)
For graduate and postdoctoral trainees
An annual international opportunity, providing cutting-edge training on the real-world applications of deep learning and reinforcement learning from some of the world's leading researchers. We welcome students from all around the world, with a focus on inclusion of those who identify as members of underrepresented groups in AI.
AI4Good Lab
For undergraduate trainees
A 7-week summer training program that brings together 30 undergraduate trainees from across Canada who identify as women and other gender minorities in STEM. The program includes lectures, workshops and self-directed team projects. Instructors and mentors include university researchers, graduate students, and practitioners from startups, corporates, intergovernmental organizations, and city government. The program emphasizes curiosity-driven learning and mentorship both from peers and industry experts.
Invent the Future:
AI Scholars Program
For high school students
A two-week summer enrichment program for Grade 10 and 11 girls delivered by Simon Fraser University, sponsored by AI4ALL and CIFAR. Participants explore the world of AI through team projects, industry field trips, and by connecting with mentors and industry experts in supportive yet challenging environments.
Data Science for Social Good (DSSG) Fellowship Program
For graduate trainees
This 14-week summer program at the University of British Columbia's Data Science Institute provides an interdisciplinary data science research experience for graduate students. Multi-disciplinary teams work on research projects submitted by local governments or non-profits. These projects involve analyzing multiple data sets and have an applied social good component.
Oxford Machine Learning Summer School
For graduate and postdoctoral trainees
World-class training in machine learning, deep learning, and deep medicine. The Summer School is a unique opportunity to learn about the past, present, and future of machine learning research in healthcare (from electronic health records, imaging, and genetics to wearables, drug discovery, and more). The program is held in Oxford, UK, by Global Goals AI. CIFAR supports the participation of Canadian researchers and postgraduate students.
Let's SOLVE it
For undergraduate trainees
In partnership with RBC and Borealis AI, CIFAR supports this mentorship program that provides undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds with mentorship, contacts, training and the guidance they need to make their project a reality. Applicants require a good idea, a team of peers, a strong sense of curiosity, and commitment to making a difference.
Recent stories
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Believe the Impossible: The Future of… Fairness in AI
September 12, 2022
CIFAR NextGen AI Training Programs
DLRL 2022: That’s a wrap, and a return to in-person learning in 2023
September 28, 2022
Advances
Equity, diversity and inclusion in AI climate change research
October 15, 2021
CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
Reducing discrimination and bias in AI: Q&A with Golnoosh Farnadi
November 17, 2021
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.