EDMONTON — Today, Amii (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), one of Canada’s three national AI institutes, and the University of Alberta — a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence research — announced the successful completion of a historic global recruitment campaign. The announcement was made at the Upper Bound AI conference alongside the federal minister for AI and digital innovation.
The appointment of 25 researchers was made possible through a $30-million investment by Amii to the U of A, first announced in 2023, and supported by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) under the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. It had an initial goal of hiring 20 new faculty members. In the end, five additional hires were added. Some of the 25 researchers hired have also been appointed as Canada CIFAR AI Chairs.
This initiative embeds premier talent at the intersection of AI and fields like health, energy, space exploration and agriculture. It marks a definitive leap toward a future defined by “AI+X” — the strategic integration of machine intelligence into the world’s most critical scientific domains. From pioneering personalized medicine and mitigating climate change to securing global food systems, Alberta’s expanded research capacity is now uniquely positioned to solve the most complex and pressing challenges of our time.
Anchored in the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, the global hiring initiative deepens the collaboration between Amii and the U of A. Amii is tasked with advancing Canada’s AI potential, and the U of A is a primary driver of Amii’s AI research excellence. By focusing on globally impactful domains, this research accelerates opportunities for responsible commercialization of AI to propel Canada to the global forefront of applied AI and drive future economic growth.
The announcement was marked by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, alongside Cam Linke, CEO of Amii; Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell, College Dean and Vice-Provost of the College of Natural & Applied Sciences at the U of A, and Elissa Strome, Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR.
The U of A is ranked #1 in Canada for computer science and #5 globally for AI.
For more information please contact:
Sarah Vernon | University of Alberta Media Strategist | svernon@ualberta.ca
Quotes
“By attracting the world’s brightest minds in AI to work at the intersections of AI and science, Amii, the University of Alberta, and CIFAR are ensuring that Canadian innovation is central to solving the world’s toughest problems. The success of this global recruitment campaign for research talent solidifies our leadership on an international stage, proving that when the world looks for responsible, impactful AI solutions that drive real-world change, they look to Canada.”
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of AI and Digital Innovation
“Our collaboration with the University of Alberta has successfully positioned our province as a global magnet for interdisciplinary AI excellence. By securing these researchers, we are ensuring that the next generation of breakthroughs in critical domains—from biology to health, neuroscience to outer space — starts right here in Canada. With the vital support of the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs program, we are fostering the talent and the technology that will define the real-world impact of AI on a global scale.”
Cam Linke, Amii CEO
“The University of Alberta is proud to partner with Amii and CIFAR on this historic initiative. Universities play a vital role in both the innovation and responsible use of AI. This investment in talent will accelerate research breakthroughs here in Canada, strengthen our economy, improve lives, and prepare our students to lead the next generation of AI innovation.”
Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell, Dean and Vice-Provost, College of Natural & Applied Sciences, University of Alberta
“This cohort of 32 new and renewed Canada CIFAR AI Chairs at Amii and the University of Alberta and 17 others across the country brings our national total to over 140, a powerful testament to the enduring success of the world’s first national AI strategy. Our focus has always been on people, because they represent the greatest value in any AI ecosystem. This diverse group of researchers is conducting high-impact work that is improving the lives of Canadians. Through the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs program, which is the third most impactful research group globally, we are not just attracting talent, we are also building a legacy of innovation that will benefit Canadians for generations.”
Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, CIFAR
About Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
Amii is one of Canada’s three national AI institutes and a global leader in artificial intelligence research, education, and industry adoption. Amii advances AI through world-class research, business applications, and accessible learning programs that have impacted more than 1.2 million learners worldwide. (amii.ca)
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top five research-intensive universities. A global leader in innovation, it ranks first in Canada and fifth worldwide for artificial intelligence and machine learning research. From specialized online graduate programs in AI, such as certificates in AI and Health as well as Data Science and AI, to career-focused professional development through Continuing Education, the U of A provides lifelong learning opportunities trusted by thousands of individuals and organizations to navigate a rapidly changing world. (ualberta.ca)
About CIFAR and the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) is a globally influential research organization proudly based in Canada. We mobilize the world’s most brilliant people across disciplines and at all career stages to advance transformative knowledge and solve humanity’s biggest problems, together. We are supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Québec, as well as Canadian and international foundations, individuals, corporations and partner organizations.
The Pan-Canadian AI Strategy is a national initiative, funded by the Government of Canada and led by CIFAR since 2017, to establish and sustain Canada’s global leadership in AI research and talent. As the national facilitator, CIFAR aligns the strengths of the three national AI institutes: Amii (Edmonton), Mila (Montreal), and the Vector Institute (Toronto).
About the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs Program
The cornerstone of the Pan-Canadian AI strategy is the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs program, which has recruited and retained over 140 of the world’s top AI researchers. This community represents the third-highest-impact AI research cluster in the world. Our researchers work across all areas of AI, advancing fundamental science as well as the application of AI in areas that matter to society and the economy, including health and life sciences, energy and industrial applications, transportation and more. The Chairs also train the next generation of AI talent, with more than 250 graduate students completing their studies every year across the national AI Institutes, many of whom continue to advance AI in academia and industry. Additionally, CIFAR mobilizes expertise through the Canadian AI Safety Institute Research.