Concordia and Mitacs launch AI training series for research students

As artificial intelligence becomes a baseline skill across sectors, a new partnership between Mitacs and Concordia University is giving research students a practical on-ramp to applied AI.

Beginning in February, Mitacs and Concordia’s Applied AI Institute will offer a five-session online training series focused on building hands-on, industry-aligned AI skills. The workshops are designed for research students and early-career researchers looking to translate academic expertise into workplace-ready experience.

From AI foundations to responsible practice

Delivered by an interdisciplinary group of Concordia researchers, each three-hour session blends interactive learning, real-world case studies and applied exercises. Topics include AI fundamentals, applied problem-solving, project management and responsible and sustainable AI practices.

The series is open at no cost to students and postdoctoral fellows at Mitacs partner institutions, recent graduates and current or former Mitacs program participants. Participants receive a certificate of completion for each workshop.

Nizar Bouguila, co-director of Concordia’s Applied AI Institute, says the initiative reflects a shared commitment to applied learning.

“This partnership creates concrete pathways for early-career researchers to move from theory to practice,” Bouguila says. “By focusing on responsible and scalable AI, we’re helping ensure that research skills align with societal and economic needs.”

Workshops run from early February through the end of March, with registration opening two weeks before each session through the Mitacs EDGE portal.

The training series builds on Concordia’s broader efforts to connect research, education and industry needs, while supporting the development of AI talent across Canada. 
 
Learn more about this partnership.