TMU hosts THE Global AI Summit 2025

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is taking a lead role in shaping the global conversation on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in post-secondary education.

From Oct. 27-29, together with Times Higher Education (THE), TMU is hosting the Global AI Summit 2025 -an international gathering focused on balancing social responsibility with innovation in the age of emerging technologies.

The event brings together leading researchers, policymakers and industry experts to explore how AI can be developed and deployed ethically and equitably in post-secondary education and in the world.

"At such an important time, the coming together of AI and human creativity gives us an incredible chance to find new ways to tackle today's biggest challenges," said Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, TMU's provost and vice-president, academic.

"This conference is about sparking collaboration - it is an opportunity to explore how AI can shape education, research and society. Together, we can envision and implement ethical uses of AI that foster equity and improve outcomes for all," she added.

TMU profs at centre stage

With more than 15 countries represented across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the event will include thought-provoking panels, sessions and discussions featuring experts from across TMU and other universities and sectors.

Sessions at the summit will tackle pressing issues such as ethical AI governance, the role of higher education in AI literacy and how data-driven discovery can serve the public good.

Among TMU faculty, researchers and leaders (external link) taking centre stage is Naimul Khan, director of TMU's Multimedia Research Lab. Khan is hosting a panel discussion on how AI is breaking down silos and fueling innovative, cross-disciplinary research that's changing how we explore and understand the world.

Kris Alexander, TMU professor of video games and educational technology, will lead a session focused on "The AI home lab" - exploring what happens when generative AI leaves the research lab and enters the garage, the living room or the classroom.

April Khademi, Canada research chair in AI for Medical Imaging and TMU professor of biomedical engineering will also be leading a discussion about how

AI is supercharging health care research across universities, turning early discoveries into real-world medical breakthroughs faster than ever before.

Additional TMU speakers include Jake Effoduh, professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law; Anatoliy Gruzd, professor and Canada research chair, Social Media Lab; Sean Kheraj,

vice-provost, academic and co-chair of the university's leadership task force on generative AI; and Reza Samavi, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

TMU a global thought leader

Hosting the summit in partnership with THE reinforces TMU's growing reputation as a global thought leader at the intersection of technology, education and social impact.

"Universities play a vital role in shaping how AI evolves," Iannacito-Provenzano said. "By convening global voices, THE and TMU are helping to ensure that the technology benefits society as a whole, not just a few."

Saeed Zolfaghari, vice-president, administration and operations at TMU, said the summit highlights the university's growing leadership in advancing responsible innovation through research and collaboration.

"AI is transforming every sector of society, and universities have a responsibility to lead with integrity and vision," Zolfaghari said. "At TMU, our researchers are driving discoveries that not only advance technology, but also ensure its benefits are shared broadly and equitably."

He added that TMU's research ecosystem, from faculty experts to student innovators, is deeply engaged in exploring the intersection of technology and humanity.

"This summit is an opportunity to showcase how collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers can build a responsible AI future," he said.

More information on the sold-out Times Higher Education's Global AI Summit at TMU (external link) .