Artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation were top of mind for representatives from 15 Latin American and Caribbean post-secondary institutions visiting the University of Guelph this month. The delegates, part of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Collaboration Mission, are visiting Canadian institutions to establish partnerships and explore opportunities for further collaboration for students under the ELAP scholarship program. 

U of G’s Office of International Strategy and Partnership and Centre for International Programs co-hosted the group along with the Canadian Bureau for International Education.  

The ELAP scholarship program was created in 2009 by the Canadian government to support the development of knowledge, skills and the next generation of leaders in the Americas.  

The scholarships help strengthen connections between post-secondary institutions in Canada and in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 2010, U of G has hosted more than 50 ELAP scholarship recipients from 10 countries in the Americas. ELAP students conduct study or research supervised by U of G faculty members.  

Showcasing AI and Innovation at U of G 

Dr. Graham Taylor, academic co-director of the CARE-AI Centre at U of G welcomes the delegation and kicks-off an afternoon of AI-focused research presentations.

Under this year’s theme of “AI and Innovation,” the visiting delegates connected with faculty members and graduate students from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, including presentations by the CARE-AI Centre (Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence) and affiliated faculty.  

“I am indeed grateful for the warm welcome by you and your team members to the delegates of the November 2022 CBIE ELAP Collaboration Mission,” said Donna Powell Wilson, executive director, Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica. “The tour of the University of Guelph was informative and provided the framework for the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica to formally commence discussions on partnership arrangements.”  

The delegation’s visit created new connections and opportunities for collaboration between students, staff and faculty. The visit and resulting partnerships are expected to further U of G’s goals for enhanced internationalization and to support the priorities of the University’s Global Engagement Plan.  

U of G faculty interested in hosting a student on an ELAP scholarship can contact Allison Broadbent, study abroad manager, for more information.