Our lives have become digital and increasingly governed by algorithms. While they promise significant benefits, recent developments in automated and quantum technology have added to the significant challenges facing modern societies. The omnipresence of algorithms creates opportunities for research into the societal impacts of these technologies and how our legal systems can protect citizens consistently and effectively.
Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau — Director of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society (CLTS)—has been awarded the University Research Chair on Technology and Society, a fitting recognition of his proven leadership and research record. His excellence, productivity and achievements since joining the Faculty in September 2016 have been recognized in the academic world and beyond. His tireless interdisciplinary research on issues of law and technology consistently highlights contemporary issues of importance to the entire international community.
Dr. Martin-Bariteau will use his new appointment to advance an ambitious research program in the law, ethics and policy of technologies related to the security, regulation and governance of artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum technologies. More generally, the research will focus on the intersection of law and technology, with a focus on the emergence of algorithmic law. Dr. Martin-Bariteau will examine the use of automated technologies as tools for decision-making, governance and regulation, while studying their effects on democratic freedoms, access to law and justice. The Chair will develop proposals for public policies anchored in rigorous research and deploy awareness-raising and outreach activities aimed at industry, public decision-makers and civil society. Dr. Martin-Bariteau’s five-year term began on July 1, 2020.
Recipient of the 2019 Common Law Emergent Researcher Award, Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau is an internationally recognized thought leader on technology policy engaged in shaping frameworks that safeguard rights and liberties in the digital context to build a more secure and inclusive society. A technologist and creative turned legal scholar, his research focuses on technology law, ethics and policy, with a special interest in blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, whistleblowers and quantum technologies.
Beyond leading CLTS, Canada’s premier research group on technology law, ethics and policy, Dr. Martin-Bariteau is the Scientific Director of the AI + Society Initiative. He also co-leads, with Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, Connected Canada, a pan-Canadian interdisciplinary research initiative on citizenship in a digital context. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the NCE SERENE-RISC, Canada’s smart cybersecurity network, and is involved in two SSHRC Partnerships, Autonomy through Cyberjustice Technology–where he notably leads the subproject on a roadmap for the digital transformation of justice–and the Global Journalism Innovation Lab.
Congratulations to Dr. Martin-Bariteau on this important achievement!