Connected Minds, a $318.4-million research program led by York University in partnership with Queen’s University, has awarded its first round of Team Grants to researchers advancing technology to build a healthier, more just society.
Five interdisciplinary teams have each been awarded up to $1.5 million, funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, to shape the future of Canadian society with diverse projects that pursue ethical digital engagement, personalized neurological care, Indigenous language revitalization and more.
“These inaugural projects span a remarkable range of inquiry. They reflect the power of bringing diverse disciplines and communities together to co-create technologies that are not only innovative, but also equitable and responsible to the real world,” says Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation at York U.
Asif notes the funded projects represent the spirit of Connected Minds and the future of Canadian research by being interdisciplinary, collaborative and rooted in social impact.
“These aren’t just research projects; they are bold, interdisciplinary experiments in how we build technology with people, not just for them,” says Pina D’Agostino, scientific director of Connected Minds and associate vice-president research at York. “The teams are tackling foundational questions about justice, inclusion and innovation and are doing so with the collaborative spirit that defines our program. We’re immensely proud to support their work and see them lead the way forward in a socially responsible way.”
The project and the Team Grants represent a special moment, adds D’Agostino. “This is a thrilling milestone for Connected Minds,” she says.
Here’s a closer look at the inaugural Team Grant projects led by AMPD faculty.
When People Talk, Listen Completely
Shital Desai, an assistant professor in interaction design at AMPD and a Tier II York Research Chair, co-leads this project with Claire Davies from Queen’s University.
This project addresses low employment rates among Canadians with speech impairments by co-developing technologies, policies and educational supports that reduce stigma and promote inclusive workplaces. Guided by the Accessible Canada Act, it brings together individuals with lived experience, employers, researchers and community partners to ensure practical, user-driven solutions.
An initial workshop with diverse stakeholders surfaced key priorities such as inclusive workplace design, ethical AI and community engagement. These now guide interdisciplinary research teams focused on workplace accommodations, AI communication tools, education and clinical supports.
With continued input from industry, non-profits and equity advisors, the project is producing accessible resources – including workplace guidelines and educational materials – to improve employment outcomes and foster greater acceptance.
Creative Collectivities: Rehearsing Equitable Futures through Participatory Technologies
Principal investigator Laura Levin, an associate professor of theatre and performance studies in AMPD, and Michael Wheeler of Queen’s University guide a team exploring how participatory technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and immersive theatre reshape collective behaviour and social connection.
By integrating theatre with neuroscience and technology, this project creates a unique setting to study group dynamics and imagine more inclusive, democratic ways of coming together.
The collaboration unites five equity-focused theatre companies, neuroscientists, engineers, computer scientists and community groups representing Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized and disabled communities.
Their joint work ensures that marginalized voices influence both research and creative processes, fostering technologies and performances that challenge social inequalities.
With strong partnerships across academic, industry and global research centres, the project also focuses on mentoring students and early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds. Together, they advance innovative practices for equitable participation in digital and social spaces.
The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse: Creating an ethical and responsible virtual environment driven by Indigenous communities and community needs
Co-led by Rebecca Caines, an assistant professor and program coordinator in creative technologies at York's Markham Campus, the project builds an Indigenous-governed Virtual Learning Environment rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) principles.
The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse reclaims digital space through Indigenous futurism, blending Anishinaabe knowledge with immersive technology to promote cultural resurgence, language revitalization and healing.
Participants engage in story-driven quests that preserve cultural narratives, co-created with partners like the Nokiiwin Tribal Council and UniVirtual. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology and community-based methods, the project explores how immersive cultural experiences shape memory, learning and connection.
By centring Indigenous governance and challenging colonial frameworks, Biskaabiiyaang offers a model for ethical, inclusive technologies that advance digital sovereignty and collective empowerment.
Read the full article on YFile.
With files from Anahita Haidari.