Artificial Intelligence (AI) is today a field of research whose impact reaches well beyond technology. Recent advances in AI ... are based on the development of increasingly powerful learning algorithms and the availability of big data, which allows the former to acquire ever more precise and complex knowledge. The main economic and societal promises of AI are the creation of new services and products that are easy of access, inexpensive and highly personalized; the automation of certain tasks or jobs; and the creation of new knowledge. However, although the prospects for innovation linked to the development of AI still seem unlimited, it is essential to consider the ethical and social issues linked to these new technological developments and to ensure harmonious, just and respectful social appropriation. AI also induces important changes in our various human practices, particularly in art, education and communications, which do not let us spare any critical reflection. In this context, HumanIA enables IA work to be directed towards the common good by promoting interdisciplinary synergies. Focused on the humanistic aspects of AI, HumanIA is active in theoretical and partnership research, knowledge transfer (notably through continuing education) and community services. The group’s expertise in the various fields of “humanities” (ethics, social sciences, arts and sciences) applied to the development and social appropriation of AI contributes to UQAM’s international influence. Indeed, while other institutions stand out for their research aimed mainly at the technological development of AI, HumanIA’s vocation is to constitute a world reference pole for the study of AI from a distinctly humanistic perspective. read more