Launch of an international laboratory dedicated to artificial intelligence in Montreal

Montreal-center brings together the forces of McGill universityÉTS, Mila, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University and CentraleSupélec

MONTREAL, April 26, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – A consortium of research organizations has come together to form a new International Research Laboratory (IRL) focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in Montreal. The new center brings together McGill universitySchool of Higher Technology (ETS), Mila – Quebec AI Institute, France National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris-Saclay University and Ecole CentraleSupélec. The move confirms from Montreal leader status in AI.

Although great progress has been made recently in the field of AI, there is still a pressing need for new theoretical knowledge to better understand not only the capabilities of this new technology, but also how it achieves its results. ILLS will focus on five main research themes: fundamental aspects of artificial intelligence, sequential (real-time) machine learning, robust autonomous systems, natural language and speech processing, and applications to computer vision, signals and information processing.

In addition, the new center will emphasize interdisciplinary collaborations with the aim of developing new methodologies and integrating these techniques into learning systems.

“This new laboratory confirms from Montreal global leadership in AI,” said Benoit BouletAssociate Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation at McGill university. “This is a major hub with a talent pool that continues to deepen, and McGill researchers and students are integrated at all levels of this activity. This new initiative will provide our researchers with opportunities to make even more groundbreaking discoveries.”

“ÉTS’s expertise in AI includes several laboratories and research chairs in artificial intelligence. This collaboration between France and Quebec allows us to innovate and deepen research in AI, a cross-cutting discipline that we can benefit from in many fields, including health, the built environment, robotics and the Internet of Things. It is therefore with pride that ÉTS welcomes the new ILLS center within its establishment,” said Christian Casanovadirector of research and partnerships at ÉTS.

“Through its international cooperation tools, the CNRS supports the most promising joint cutting-edge research projects. The new international research laboratory brings together a powerful network of researchers France and Quebec to advance knowledge and applications of AI. For the CNRS, this new laboratory is also an opportunity to strengthen its ties more broadly with the entire Canadian AI community,” said Anthony SmallChairman and CEO of the CNRS.

“AI at Paris-Saclay involves nearly 1,000 researchers, teacher-researchers, engineers and technicians and around forty laboratories, grouped together within our DataIA Institute. We will make our contribution to ILLS in the form of mobility researchers, including the reception of Canadian colleagues at Paris-Saclay, the reception of Master’s trainees, the financing of theses in particular/among others… The University of Paris-Saclay is honored and proud to be associated with this signing ceremony for the creation of the IRL ILLS and to ensure its joint supervision” adds Michel Guidal, Deputy Vice-President of Science and Engineering for Research at the University of Paris-Saclay.

“The ILLS, resulting from an unprecedented and international union, offers unique potential for progress in the field of AI. It is an honor for CentraleSupélec to participate with our prestigious partners in this laboratory. On the strength of this research, our teaching will thus be at the forefront of the world in terms of AI,” adds Romain Soubeyran, director of CentraleSupélec.

ILLS will join a booming artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Montreal, which has attracted other major government and corporate investments in recent years. As a result, the city is one of the world’s leading hubs in this field, with around 27,000 workers in AI-related technologies and more than 14,000 post-secondary students enrolled in AI-related study programs. AI.

The ILLS is the last laboratory of this type to have been launched in Canadaprecisely in Quebec. In 2014, the CNRS and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologie (FRQNT) signed a letter of intent to support and promote the tradition of scientific cooperation that exists between France and Quebec. This collaboration resulted in the creation of two international research laboratories in Quebec, as well as other shared research activities across the province. The CNRS has also set up three other IRLs in Canada in partnership with other institutions.

Were present at the signing ceremony: Frédéric Sanchez (Consul General of France), Remi Quirion (of Quebec Scientific Director), Anthony Small (CNRS), Suzanne Fortier (McGill university), Francois Gagnon (ETS), Michel Guidal (Paris-Saclay University), Franck Richecoeur (Ecole CentraleSupélec), and Laurence Beaulieu (Mila).

On McGill university

Founded in Montreal, Quebecin 1821, McGill university is from Canada top-ranked medical graduate university. McGill is consistently ranked among the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher education with research activities spanning three campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 study programs and over 39,000 students, including over 10,400 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, with its 12,000 international students representing 30% of the student body. More than half of McGill students report having a mother tongue other than English, with approximately 20% of our students reporting French as their mother tongue.

About ÉTS

The École de technologie supérieure is one of the ten components of the Université du Québec network. It trains engineers and researchers recognized for their practical and innovative approach, the development of new technologies and their ability to transfer their knowledge to businesses. Nearly a quarter of all engineers in Quebec are graduates of ÉTS, which has 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as 27,000 graduates. ÉTS specializes in applied training and research in engineering and maintains a unique partnership with the business community and industry.

About the CNRS

The National Center for Scientific Research is one of the most recognized and renowned public research institutions in the world. For more than 80 years, it has met a demand for excellence in terms of recruitment and has developed multi- and interdisciplinary research throughout the territory, in Europe and internationally. Oriented towards the common good, it contributes to the scientific, economic, social and cultural progress of France. The CNRS is above all 32,000 women and men and 200 professions. Its 1,000 laboratories, most of which are shared with universities, schools and other research organizations, represent more than 120,000 people; they advance knowledge by exploring living things, matter, the Universe and the functioning of human societies. The close link it weaves between its research activities and their transfer to society makes it a key player in innovation today. Partnership with companies is the basis of its promotion policy. It is available in particular through nearly 200 joint structures with industrial players and through the creation of around a hundred start-ups each year, testifying to the economic potential of its research work. The CNRS makes research work and data accessible; this sharing of knowledge is aimed at different audiences: scientific communities, media, decision-makers, economic players and the general public.

About Paris-Saclay University

The University of Paris-Saclay brings together ten faculties and constituent institutes, four Grandes Écoles, the Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, two associated establishments and joint laboratories with national research organizations. It is ranked among the top 20 research universities in the world. With 48,000 students, 8,100 lecturer-researchers and 8,500 administrative and technical staff, Université Paris-Saclay offers a complete and varied offer of training courses from undergraduate to doctoral level and engineering degrees, recognized for their quality thanks to the reputation and commitment of the University’s academic staff. Located south of Paris on vast sites which extend ParisOrsay, Evry and Versailles, the University of Paris-Saclay benefits from a strategic geographical and socio-economic position reinforced by its international visibility. A leading university, Université Paris-Saclay is recognized for its excellent training in Mathematics and Physics, but also for Biological and Medical Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, and its in-depth training in Human and Social Sciences. Near ParisParis-Saclay University is nestled in a protected natural area, at the heart of a dynamic economic hub.

About Centralesupelec

CentraleSupélec is a public establishment of a scientific, cultural and professional nature, created in January 2015 of the merger of École Centrale Paris and Supélec. Today, CentraleSupélec is made up of 3 campuses in France (Paris-Saclay, Metz and Rennes). It has 4,300 students, including 3,200 engineering students, and brings together 17 laboratories or research teams. Strongly internationalized (30% of its students and almost a quarter of its teaching staff are international), the school has forged more than 170 partnerships with the best institutions in the world. A major school of higher education and research, CentraleSupélec is a reference center in the field of engineering sciences and systems, ranked among the best institutions in the world. It is a founding member of the University of Paris-Saclay and chairs the Groupe des Ecoles Centrales (Lyons, Lille, Nantes and Marseilles), which operates international sites (beijing (China), Hyderabad (India), casablanca (Morocco)) .

SOURCESchool of Higher Technology

For further information: Media contacts: Junji Nishihata, McGill University, T: 514-396-1166, C: 514-839-7030, [email protected]; Jean-Alexandre D’Etcheverry, School of Higher Technology (ETS), T: 514 910-1328, [email protected]