Today, the University of Waterloo and Google revealed a new research partnership aimed at exploring how artificial intelligence affects education and job preparedness. This collaboration includes a $1 million research agreement to establish the Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning. The Chair is part of a larger effort known as the Future of Work Institute, which has received a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund. This partnership will facilitate various research and educational projects that merge technology design with teaching innovation, including hands-on learning labs where students can prototype future technologies related to work and education.
“Waterloo shines when we think differently about technology’s role in society, create meaningful hands-on opportunities for students, and collaborate across disciplines to shape a future where individuals and communities thrive,” stated Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “The Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning reflects this vision by connecting mathematics and computer science with social sciences and humanities while linking academia with industry and government.”
Google selected the University of Waterloo for this initiative due to its strong focus on experiential learning through Canada’s largest co-operative education program, its history of advanced AI research, and its close ties to alumni working at Google. “As a proud alumna of the University of Waterloo, I experienced firsthand how valuable hands-on learning through co-op can be,” said Mira Lane, Google’s vice-president for Envisioning Studio, Technology and Society. “This new partnership builds on that foundation by allowing us to co-create AI-driven learning prototypes alongside students who are uniquely positioned to envision what learning will look like in an AI-enabled world.”
At today’s event on campus, representatives from both institutions were joined by local, provincial, and federal government officials to celebrate this announcement.
“Ontario is home to outstanding researchers whose innovative discoveries boost our economy and key industries,” remarked Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This collaboration with Google further establishes the University of Waterloo as a leading research hub that equips students with essential skills needed to enhance Ontario’s AI sector well into the future.”
From left to right: Jules Walter, director of product management at Google; Dr. Charmaine Dean, vice-president for Research and International; Sabrina Geremia, vice-president and country managing director at Google; Dr. Edith Law, new Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning and executive director of the Future of Work Institute; Nolan Quinn; Dr. Vivek Goel; Dr. Raouf Boutaba; dean at David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science; Dr. Jochen Koenemann;
The newly established research chair will be held by Dr. Edith Law from the Faculty of Mathematics as well as serving as executive director for the Future of Work Institute. Law specializes in Human-AI interaction along with designing technology that promotes human values in contexts such as education or healthcare collaborations. “I’m excited about working with Google to investigate how we can optimally design tools for learning that leverage AI’s benefits while being aware of its challenges,” Law said.
The first initiative from the Institute is called Futures Lab: An AI + UX Prototyping Workshop starting October 6th. In this workshop students will form interdisciplinary teams alongside faculty members from Waterloo along with mentors from Google to explore AI-powered tools while critically discussing their roles within education and society overall.
“We’re thrilled about partnering with Google as we reimagine what work will look like,” said Dr. Jochen Koenemann, dean at Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics.” I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on Dr. Edith Law receiving this distinguished chair position. AI is rapidly changing our world, and Waterloo isn’t just ready but eager not only respond but influence it. This alliance enhances ties between university sectors empowering us all prepare our students effectively towards future workplaces.”
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