Artificial Intelligence and Discourse, written by Andrea Valente, is a two-volume exploration of how AI is represented, discussed, and experienced across cultures, media, and professional settings. Drawing on international case studies, the books examine how language, images, and narratives shape public understanding of AI, while also exploring the impact of generative tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot on education, journalism, policy, creativity, identity, and human communication. Together, the volumes offer an accessible and critical look at the cultural, social, and ethical implications of AI. Click here to learn more.
The CAIS Conference 2026, themed Advancing AI Systems, Governance & Society, brought together researchers, industry leaders, students, and policymakers at York University on July 17–18, 2026 to explore the future of responsible artificial intelligence. Through 13 faculty presentations, 25 research posters, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking events, attendees examined advances in human-centered AI, governance, healthcare, public sector innovation, and trustworthy AI systems. The conference highlighted the importance of translating cutting-edge AI research into ethical, transparent, and real-world applications, while celebrating outstanding research by Dr. Emily Kuang, recipient of the Best Presentation Award, and Anna Kazatchkova, recipient of the Best Poster Award. Click here to read more.
A team of Capstone students at York University built a wheelchair that learns to follow its guide through busy indoor environments. Over two semesters, they used AMD Schola and Unreal Engine to take the system from an empty simulation to a working physical prototype, teaching it to navigate through thousands of simulated interactions rather than hand-written rules.
For more information, click here.
Bruce Schneier and Jon Penney on the Future of AI Surveillance. Security technologist Bruce Schneier and AI governance scholar Jon Penney examine how AI-powered surveillance is reshaping society. They explore the growing use of facial recognition, automated enforcement, and mass data collection, while warning of the potential impacts on privacy, free expression, and democracy. Their article argues that thoughtful policy choices today can help prevent a future of pervasive surveillance. Click here to read more.
A team of Capstone students at York University built a wheelchair that learns to follow its guide through busy indoor environments. Over two semesters, they used AMD Schola and Unreal Engine to take the system from an empty simulation to a working physical prototype, teaching it to navigate through thousands of simulated interactions rather than hand-written rules.
For more information, click here.
CAIS is pleased to announce the arrival of our new full-time Coordinator, Ushieja De Zoysa.
Having obtained her BSc. and Master’s degrees at York, Ushieja brings a wealth of experience from her time at York’s Organized Research Units (CITY and CIKL), and well as from her time at EDM3 in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy.
We are so lucky to have Ushieja’s deep experience and enthusiasm now contributing to our CAIS mission.
Please join us in welcoming Ushieja to the CAIS Community!
Five CAIS faculty members have been appointed as York Research Chairs.
Congratulations to Aijun, Shayna, Elham, Jonathan and Ian! Their research exemplifies the breadth and excellence of CAIS research from the core science and engineering of machine learning systems through neuroscience, health and governance research.
Read the full story: Yfile Article
CAIS faculty member Dr. Shayna Rosenbaum was awarded the most prestigious research title that York University bestows: Distinguished Research Professor.
Read the full story: Shayna Rosenbaum
In a joint statement, Professors Pina D’Agostino and James Elder, Co-Directors of the York University Centre for AI & Society (CAIS), announced the names of the Centre’s newly established inaugural Advisory Board
Read the full story: Centre for AI & Society announces inaugural advisory board - YFile (yorku.ca)
Stanford University lists the world’s top 2% researchers, recognizing 25 Lassonde faculty members, which includes 7 CAIS members.
Read the full story here: Stanford University lists the world's top 2% researchers, recognizing 25 Lassonde faculty members | Lassonde School of Engineering (yorku.ca)
CAIS member Professor Xiaogang (Steven Wang) received a US patent approval for an algorithm that will reduce the training time of artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML),
Read the full story here: Professor receives patent to improve AI machine learning - YFile (yorku.ca)
CAIS Co-director, Professor James Elder was interviewed for an article in The York University Magazine, Summer 2024 Edition. Read the full story here: Summer 2024 - The York University Magazine : The York University Magazine
Dr. Pina D'Agostino Recognized as One of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers
of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in addition to her Italian Immigration Story. A place on this list is a highly regarded accolade and reflects how the work of these members of the legal system has had an impact, whether in the courtroom, law school, law firm or business or at a policy level; Canadian Lawyer Mag stated that D'Agostino was making "an incredible impact in the lives of students and helping Canadian entrepreneurs."
Dr. James Elder - Human and Computer Vision
Dr. James Elder's research is an interdisciplinary approach to human and computer vision. His work on attentive sensing focuses on how the human visual system works, and creating an artificial visual system that has the properties of human vision.
Watch the official launch of the The Centre for AI & Society, which took place at the 2022 "Bracing For Impact Conference: The Future of AI for Society"!
Prof D'Agostino was also recently featured in the Law Times for her role in another important research initiative at @YorkUniversity! A "pioneering $ 318-million interdisciplinary research project called Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society."
Check out this new piece in the Global Policy Journal by our co-Director and @osgoodenews Prof. Pina D'Agostino: "Who is the AI Owner? Hacking the Illusive AI Inventorship Challenge"