Governments globally are exploring how to foster the development of fair, safe, and human-centred AI. The regulation of AI is a difficult one: users naturally want to be protected from risks, but at the same time, no one wants to be left behind as new and better technology is developed. How to strike a balance between innovation and safety remains unclear, both in theory and in practice.
As the new Canada Research Chair in International and Comparative Artificial Intelligence Law, Dr. Céline Castets-Renard will lead a research program focused on minimizing AI risks through international legal frameworks. Her work will include identifying the social risks of AI, developing regulations, testing laws, and advising policymakers. She will also aim to create AI legal standards that protect society and serve the public interest.
A Full Professor in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, and a Faculty member at the Centre for Law, Technology and Society at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Céline Castets-Renard was previously the University Research Chair on Accountable AI in a Global Context. This new appointment recognizes her significant contributions to the field and her ongoing commitment to addressing the societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) through legal frameworks.
The Canada Research Chairs Program invests to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds. Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
This appointment underscores Dr. Céline Castets-Renard's dedication to advancing the legal and ethical understanding of AI on a global scale. Her efforts will continue to shape policies that balance innovation with societal well-being and will reinforce the University of Ottawa's research leadership in technology law, ethics and policy.
Congratulations to Dr. Castets-Renard!