Dr. Elissa Strome appointed to head CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - CIFAR President & CEO Dr. Alan Bernstein is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elissa Strome as Executive Director of the CIFAR Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, starting January 2, 2018.
CIFAR is implementing the $125 million Strategy, announced by the federal government in Budget 2017, in partnership with newly established AI institutes in Edmonton (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), Toronto (the Vector Institute) and Montreal (MILA).
"I'm very pleased that Elissa has decided to join CIFAR to lead this exciting, important and novel initiative. We are exceptionally fortunate to have someone as skilled and experienced as Elissa taking on this position," said Dr. Bernstein. "Along with our partners, one of CIFAR's goals is to attract, train and retain outstanding AI scientists, adding to Canada's considerable capacity in AI research and innovation. Elissa's background and experience make her perfect for the job."
"Artificial intelligence represents an exciting opportunity to leverage data and information into new applications, products and services that have the potential to have tremendous positive impact for our society, environment and economy," said Dr. Strome. "Canada has been at the forefront of the AI revolution from the beginning, and this new national Strategy will ensure that we can continue to lead the way. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join CIFAR and work with leading researchers across the country to implement our national research strategy in AI."
The CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy has four components: support Canada's three AI institutes –Vector, MILA and Amii; launch newly created Canada CIFAR Chairs in AI to recognize and fund researchers at the three institutes; develop a global program in AI in Society which will examine the social, economic and philosophical issues around AI; and establish a national AI program to support national and collaborative efforts to maintain Canada's global leadership in AI research and innovation.
To find out more about the Strategy and CIFAR's role in Canadian AI, please go here.
About Dr. Elissa Strome
Dr. Strome was most recently the Executive Director of SOSCIP, Ontario's leading platform for collaborative R&D in data science and advanced computing. She is the former Director of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto's Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia.
About CIFAR
CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) creates knowledge that is transforming our world. Established in 1982, the Institute brings together interdisciplinary groups of extraordinary researchers from around the globe to address questions and challenges of importance to the world. Our networks help support the growth of research leaders and are catalysts for change in business, government and society. CIFAR is generously supported by the governments of Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, Canadian and international partners, as well as individuals, foundations and corporations.
SOURCE Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
For further information: To arrange interviews with Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Strome, please contact: Juanita Bawagan, Writer & Media Relations Specialist, [email protected], 416-971-4884
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