What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines or software to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, recognizing patterns and making decisions.

AI Research at U of G

At the University of Guelph, artificial intelligence drives discovery across disciplines. Researchers are advancing AI technologies to solve complex problems and create positive societal impact, both locally and globally.

Themes

Artificial intelligence research at the University spans disciplines and applications, driving innovation, sustainability and societal impact. From foundational machine learning to applied AI in health, environment and industry, these key areas reflect a commitment to advancing technology that improves lives, informs policy and strengthens communities.

Core AI and Machine Learning Research

Advancing machine learning, deep learning, and data science to create foundational methods that power breakthroughs across diverse applications, from predictive models to intelligent systems.

Engineering and Computing Systems

Applying AI to robotics, smart systems, and software design to drive innovation in automation, adaptive computing, and intelligent infrastructure for modern challenges.

Cybersecurity and Privacy

Enhancing digital resilience with AI-driven threat detection, prevention, and response, creating more secure systems to safeguard data, privacy, and critical infrastructures worldwide.

Health and One Health Research

Integrating AI into diagnostics, disease modeling, and system optimization to improve human, animal, and environmental health within a One Health framework.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Designing user-centered technologies with AI that adapt to human needs and behaviors, creating intuitive tools that improve accessibility, interaction, and experience.

Bioinformatics and Life Science

Applying AI to analyze genomic, proteomic, and biomedical data, supporting advances in personalized medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental life sciences research.

Ethics, Philosophy, and Psychology

Exploring ethical, cognitive, and philosophical dimensions of AI to ensure responsible innovation that reflects human values, fairness, and societal impacts.

Business, Economics, and Finance

Using AI for market analysis, economic forecasting, and decision-making tools that enhance efficiency, innovation, and adaptability in rapidly evolving global markets.

Language, Literature, and Communication

Studying how AI interprets, generates, and interacts with language, culture, and meaning to expand communication, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing possibilities.

Food and Agriculture

Driving innovation in agri-food through AI, from precision farming and sustainable food systems to efficient supply chain optimization for global impact.

AI Institutes at U of G

U of G is home to leading researchers advancing artificial intelligence across diverse fields. Our three hubs – CARE-AI, AI4Food and AI4Casting – push the boundaries of ethical AI, food systems innovation, and public health forecasting.

CARE-AI

The Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence unites experts from all seven colleges to ensure AI is developed and applied responsibly. CARE-AI researchers tackle ethics, bias, policy and governance while partnering with industry and government to promote transparent, accountable AI.

AI4Food

AI4Food builds on U of G’s agricultural strength to transform the agri-food sector through AI. By connecting farmers, industry partners, policymakers, and international leaders, it drives innovation that boosts resilience, safety and sustainability while ensuring fairness and trust in food systems.

AI4Casting

AI4Casting develops advanced forecasting models to strengthen public health planning and pandemic preparedness. From influenza to COVID-19, the Hub works with Public Health Ontario, the CDC, and others to predict and reduce disease spread, integrating data with human behavior insights to guide policy.

Feature Articles

Title Date Researcher(s)
When robots are integrated into household spaces and rituals, they acquire emotional value September 12, 2025 Zhao Zhao
Food Science Prof Bridges Food Fermentation With Machine Learning to Drive Innovation August 26, 2025 Biniam Kebede
Over $25.4M in Federal Funding to Advance Cybersecurity, Sustainability, Social Justice and Health July 9, 2025 Xiaodong Lin and Wenjing Zhang
U of G Researchers Enter Final Phase of Agri-Food Challenge June 16, 2025 Youbin Zheng
AI Assists in Planning Radiation Treatments for Dogs May 12, 2025 Eranga Ukwatta
Unmasking Fraud: How Smarter Algorithms Are Cracking Insurance Scams April 23, 2025 Anna Lawniczak
AI-Resistant Algorithm Protects Digital Images April 1, 2025 Charlie Obimbo
U of G Prof Using AI to Track Measles, Vaccine Hesitancy March 31, 2025 Monica Cojocaru
Adopting AI to Improve Global Ag Systems – PhD Candidate Uduak Edet March 6, 2025 Uduak Edet
Tackling Gender Bias in AI's Language Models December 5, 2024 Hillary Dawkins, Isar Nejadgholi, Daniel Gillis and Judi McCuaig
Better, Faster, Stronger Soil Data Can Feed the Planet December 3, 2024 Asim Biswas
Addressing Global Warming by Carbon Capture November 25, 2024 William R. Smith
U of G Receives Funding for Three New Canada Research Chairs November 14, 2024 Asim Biswas, Xin Zhou and Elif Acar
U of G’s Vision for the Future of Food on Display at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair October 30, 2024 Anna Ngwenyi Mafor and Rozita Dara
U of G Researchers Breeding the Perfect Wheat to Resist Disease October 8, 2024 Helen Booker
New AI Tool Could Help Doctors Better See Inside Babies’ Brains August 13, 2024 Eranga Ukwatta and Zachary Szentimrey
These Self-Driving, Weed-Cutting Robots ‘Transform the Future of Farming’ August 7, 2024 Mary Ruth McDonald
U of G Propelling a Tech-Driven Agri-Food Future June 27, 2024 Milad Eskandari
Your Data’s Vulnerable. U of G Computer Scientists Have a Solution April 10, 2024 Ali Dehghantanha, Abbas Yazdinejad and Elnaz Rabieinejad
Meet GIGAS, the U of G Robot Using AI to Pick Tomatoes March 12, 2024 Medhat Moussa
U of G Launches AI Initiative to Benefit Agri-Food Production and Sustainability Practices March 26, 2024 Rozita Dara
Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine December 4, 2023 Ryan Appleby
U of G Professors Receive Renewed Canada Research Chair Funding August 28, 2023 Graham Taylor
Artificial Intelligence Improves Screening Accessibility for Liver Disease August 10, 2023 Miraim Ibrahim and Eranga Ukwatta
Ontario Invests in U of G’s AI and Machine Learning to Drive Future Automotive and Mobility Workforce July 14, 2023 Kevin Matsui
Guelph Engineering Professor’s startup company receives $1 million from the Government of Canada June 13, 2023 Manick Annamalai
COMMENTARY: Did ChatGPT Kill the Student Essay? March 1, 2023 Joshua August Skorburg and Dylan J. White
What Is The Future Of Artificial Intelligence In Veterinary Medicine? January 25, 2023 Ryan Appleby
Data Science: Social Media as a Disease Detection Tool December 16, 2022 Rozita Data and Shayan Sharif
Data Science: The World of Artificial Intelligence December 15, 2022 Graham Taylor
New U of G Model Teaches Sarcasm to Improve Machine Social Media Mining December 12, 2022 Fattane Zarrinkalam
Artificial intelligence offers a tool to predict and control outbreaks of avian influenza November 21, 2022 Rozita Dara
U of G Researchers Aim to Make ‘Smart Farming’ Work for Greater Food Security September 27, 2022 Rozita Dara
Artificial Intelligence Institute Names U of G Engineering Prof Research Director September 19, 2022 Graham Taylor
U of G Research Looks at How to Avoid Burning Up Wildfire Resources September 8, 2022 Khurram Nadeem
Cyber-attacks a Growing Threat to Farm, Food Security, Warn U of G Researchers August 17, 2022 Ali Dehghantanha
Research Excellence Awards Celebrate Eight Early-Career Researchers August 5, 2022 Hong Li
U of G to Offer New TD-Funded Training Program in Ethical AI July 12, 2022 Graham Taylor
Researchers Bringing AI Smarts to Monitor for Invasive Great Lakes Mussels May 4, 2022 Graham Taylor
AI Tech Developed at U of G Helps Track Insect Biodiversity February 3, 2022 John Fryxell
U of G Engineers Share Benefits of Machine Learning Advance January 18, 2022 Graham Taylor and Boris Knyazev
Infinite Possibilities with Machine Learning December 13, 2021 Mihai Nica
Engineer Applies AI Smarts to Improve Food Price Report December 9, 2021 Graham Taylor
The Math Behind the Machine September 28, 2021 Herb Kunze
Researchers Aim to Improve COVID-19 Screening With Thermal Camera-Based Imaging Tool September 9, 2021 Andrew Hamilton-Wright
U of G Researchers Use AI for Rapid Bedside COVID-19 Diagnosis March 30, 2021 Eranga Ukwatta and Andrew Hamilton-Wright