Latest news with #Gunaratne
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Cision Canada
George Brown College Hosts Historic Congress 2025 Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities Graduates
Artificial Intelligence (AI), ethics, and the evolving role of social science and humanities in a tech-driven world take center stage at the landmark academic event TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - For the first time in its 94-year history, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences – Canada's largest academic gathering – is being held at a college rather than a university. Toronto's George Brown College (GBC) is the proud host of this year's event, marking a significant milestone in its rise as a hub for innovative education and public scholarship. The Big Question: Where Do Humanities Graduates Fit in an AI World? At a workshop held at GBC's Waterfront campus on May 31, the focus turned to one of the most urgent questions facing post-secondary education: What future awaits humanities and social science graduates in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? Titled "A.I. Ethics and Disruption – Future of Work for Graduates in Humanities and the Social Sciences," the panel brought together students, academics, and thought leaders for a robust discussion on AI's impact on ethics, employment, and education. Experts Emphasize the Need for Critical Thinkers in Tech "[There is] a huge need for people who can talk about these things critically," said Dinuka Gunaratne, Director of Career Development at Northeastern University, who co-led the session with University of Ottawa Professor Dr. Karine Coen-Sanchez. The panelists stressed that AI is not just a technical issue; it's a human one. And that's precisely where humanities and social sciences graduates come in. "Do We Jump on the Train?": Engaging with AI Responsibly Coen-Sanchez posed a challenge to the audience: "When a train goes by, do we jump on the train, or do we watch it go by?" "I ask: how can I benefit from this service without it being too intrusive, without it dominating?" she added. "What are the opportunities? What risks does this present for graduating students? How can students prepare for the rapidly shifting skills that are shaped by AI?" During the wide-ranging discussion, participants grappled with these questions and shared experiences and strategies for working with a technology that brings a rapidly shifting set of ethical issues. These range from privacy concerns in research projects to invisible biases in hiring processes to misinformation. Gunaratne said that it is these very issues that make it essential for graduates of humanities and social science programs to be engaged in the application of artificial intelligence. Emerging Careers at the Intersection of AI and Humanities Gunaratne highlighted several emerging career paths where humanities graduates will be essential in the AI economy: Human - AI Collaboration Facilitators Algorithm Explainers Inclusive Design Specialists AI Policy Analysts These roles require deep critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-disciplinary communication, all of which are core strengths of humanities and social sciences graduates. Ethics, Advocacy, and Action in Academia and Industry Gunaratne and Coen-Sanchez called on students and professionals to play an active role in shaping AI's trajectory. Key recommendations included: Engaging with ethics committees and algorithmic audits Participating in policy development and public consultations Contributing to industry standards and advisory councils "This is the value that humanities and social sciences graduates bring," said Gunaratne. "Critical analysis, theoretical frameworks, qualitative research, and the ability to contextualize technological change." George Brown College: At the Forefront of AI and Ethical Innovation With Congress 2025 underway, George Brown College has solidified its place as a forward-thinking institution ready to host national conversations that matter. By spotlighting ethical AI and the future of work, it is helping shape a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the challenges — and opportunities — of a rapidly changing world. As AI continues to transform industries, George Brown College is leading the way in preparing the next generation of tech professionals through its innovative Applied A.I. Solutions Development program — one of the first of its kind offered by a Canadian college. Media are encouraged to reach out and arrange interviews with our in-house experts on the transcendental nature of this technology by contacting Saron Fanel. Contact details are below. If you're interested in scheduling an interview or learning more, media opportunities are available throughout Congress 2025, running all week from May 30 to June 6 at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
George Brown College Hosts Historic Congress 2025 Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities Graduates
Artificial Intelligence (AI), ethics, and the evolving role of social science and humanities in a tech-driven world take center stage at the landmark academic event TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - For the first time in its 94-year history, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences – Canada's largest academic gathering – is being held at a college rather than a university. Toronto's George Brown College (GBC) is the proud host of this year's event, marking a significant milestone in its rise as a hub for innovative education and public scholarship. The Big Question: Where Do Humanities Graduates Fit in an AI World? At a workshop held at GBC's Waterfront campus on May 31, the focus turned to one of the most urgent questions facing post-secondary education: What future awaits humanities and social science graduates in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? Titled "A.I. Ethics and Disruption – Future of Work for Graduates in Humanities and the Social Sciences," the panel brought together students, academics, and thought leaders for a robust discussion on AI's impact on ethics, employment, and education. Experts Emphasize the Need for Critical Thinkers in Tech "[There is] a huge need for people who can talk about these things critically," said Dinuka Gunaratne, Director of Career Development at Northeastern University, who co-led the session with University of Ottawa Professor Dr. Karine Coen-Sanchez. The panelists stressed that AI is not just a technical issue; it's a human one. And that's precisely where humanities and social sciences graduates come in. "Do We Jump on the Train?": Engaging with AI Responsibly Coen-Sanchez posed a challenge to the audience: "When a train goes by, do we jump on the train, or do we watch it go by?" "I ask: how can I benefit from this service without it being too intrusive, without it dominating?" she added. "What are the opportunities? What risks does this present for graduating students? How can students prepare for the rapidly shifting skills that are shaped by AI?" During the wide-ranging discussion, participants grappled with these questions and shared experiences and strategies for working with a technology that brings a rapidly shifting set of ethical issues. These range from privacy concerns in research projects to invisible biases in hiring processes to misinformation. Gunaratne said that it is these very issues that make it essential for graduates of humanities and social science programs to be engaged in the application of artificial intelligence. Emerging Careers at the Intersection of AI and Humanities Gunaratne highlighted several emerging career paths where humanities graduates will be essential in the AI economy: Human - AI Collaboration Facilitators Algorithm Explainers Inclusive Design Specialists AI Policy Analysts These roles require deep critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-disciplinary communication, all of which are core strengths of humanities and social sciences graduates. Ethics, Advocacy, and Action in Academia and Industry Gunaratne and Coen-Sanchez called on students and professionals to play an active role in shaping AI's trajectory. Key recommendations included: Engaging with ethics committees and algorithmic audits Participating in policy development and public consultations Contributing to industry standards and advisory councils "This is the value that humanities and social sciences graduates bring," said Gunaratne. "Critical analysis, theoretical frameworks, qualitative research, and the ability to contextualize technological change." George Brown College: At the Forefront of AI and Ethical Innovation With Congress 2025 underway, George Brown College has solidified its place as a forward-thinking institution ready to host national conversations that matter. By spotlighting ethical AI and the future of work, it is helping shape a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the challenges — and opportunities — of a rapidly changing world. As AI continues to transform industries, George Brown College is leading the way in preparing the next generation of tech professionals through its innovative Applied A.I. Solutions Development program — one of the first of its kind offered by a Canadian are encouraged to reach out and arrange interviews with our in-house experts on the transcendental nature of this technology by contacting Saron Fanel. Contact details are below. If you're interested in scheduling an interview or learning more, media opportunities are available throughout Congress 2025, running all week from May 30 to June 6 at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. 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The Guardian
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Psychiatrists warn new mental health unit at Westmead could be an ‘empty shell' as workforce dispute drags on
Construction of a new mental health facility set to become the largest in New South Wales began on Wednesday in western Sydney, but psychiatrists say it will be an 'empty shell' until the issues within the state's workforce are resolved. The peak body for psychiatrists has said the $540m Westmead integrated mental health complex is likely to suffer the same fate as several recently opened facilities in western Sydney, which are only able to operate at less than half the available beds due to lack of staff. Over a third of the permanent public sector psychiatrist positions were already vacant in the state before the remaining specialist doctors resigned en masse in a high-profile dispute with the state government which remains in arbitration before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. The doctors union, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation (Asmof), representing psychiatrists, is arguing for a special levy to increase pay by 25%. The union claims the boost will stem the flow of specialist doctors leaving the state's public system, which is caught in a vicious cycle where remaining staff are left to pick up the slack of the understaffed system, meaning more suffer moral injury and leave. Rose Jackson, the NSW mental health minister, on Wednesday said the 'state of the art' facility at Westmead would have 250 to 300 beds to be able to care 'across the continuum from those experiencing severe, acute mental illness, eating disorders, adolescents, older people, to those who are experiencing situational distress, anxiety, depression. It's all here under the one roof in an integrated complex. 'We don't want people experiencing mental distress shunted away in small, isolated facilities. We want to bring their care into an integrated network of health facilities,' Jackson said. The hospital is due to open in 2027, Jackson said, 'if the weather goes our way'. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, the chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, said that 'as it stands, the fate of the new Westmead unit will be the same as other newly built units, it will either remain empty once built, or it will run at only a fraction of its capacity'. Gunaratne said at the new facility at Campbelltown, only two of six beds are open at the mental health intensive care unit (MHICU) while only eight of the 16 beds are open in its high-risk civil rehab unit, including the only female high-risk civil rehab beds in the state – all due to lack of staff. 'None of the female beds are open so there are no high-risk female beds in NSW. Currently the waiting time for patients accepted to this unit is over 6 months,' Gunaratne said. At the new forensic facility at Blacktown, completed and opened in September, which is a 44-bed unit, only 16 beds are open due to lack of staff, she said. 'Until we sort out crisis in our mental health workforce in NSW, opening such new units will be a waste of time and money. 'Furthermore, dangling a mirage-like new unit we know can't fully function, mocks the anguish of those patients and their families who are crying out for proper care.' Ian Lisser, Asmof's manager of industrial services, said: 'Emergency departments are overwhelmed. Patients in crisis are waiting up to 90 hours for care. Unless the government takes urgent steps to attract and retain psychiatrists, this new complex will be an empty shell.' Asked about the workforce shortage at a press conference, the premier, Chris Minns, said the government believed it would have enough mental health professionals, 'whether it's psychiatrists or others that work in the system' and was now recruiting, paying what it regards as competitive salaries. Minns said the government had come to the table with the 'best offer for psychiatrists and doctors and public sector workers in this state for over a decade' and it would accept the decision of the independent umpire (the IRC). 'What we can't do is hand over a blank cheque.' The health minister, Ryan Park, denied the government was investing in bricks and mortar and not the workforce, saying 'the biggest challenge that I see is not new buildings, [it] is in staffing. That remains the thing that keeps me up at night.'
