From ethics and technology to artificial intelligence in health care, the social implications of technology are the main theme of a global conference this weekend co-led by University of Guelph computer scientist Dr. Rozita Dara.

The IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society is taking place Oct. 28-31, co-hosted by U of G and the University of Waterloo.

The annual conference is being held virtually this year under the theme of “Technological Stewardship and Responsible Innovation.” It brings together engineers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, philosophers, researchers and social scientists to discuss the social side of technology.

U of G president Charlotte Yates welcomed conference delegates on Oct. 29.

Also involved this year are U of G One Health experts studying issues involving human, animal and environmental health, and principals from the University’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence.

Dara, who is principal investigator of the Data Management and Data Governance research program in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, is co-chairing the conference along with Dr. Heather Love, professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo.