Launched in 2023 by Professor Catherine Régis, Mila and Université de Montréal, the Summer School in Responsible AI and Human Rights is an intensive five-day in-person program designed to equip today's and tomorrow's leaders to help shape AI systems that respect and protect human rights.
International Expansion in 2026
In 2026, the Summer School reached a new milestone by holding its fourth edition outside Montréal for the first time, in Mexico City, Mexico, in collaboration with the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico (CINVESTAV) and IVADO. This edition reaffirmed the program's commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility and collaboration on an international scale, bringing together participants, researchers and practitioners from around the world.
An International and Interdisciplinary Cohort
From May 18 to 22, the Summer School brought together a select cohort of graduate students and professionals from around the world to foster enriching exchanges.
Participants explored several key themes:
- Ethics and foundations of AI
- Global and local governance, regulation and legal aspects of AI
- Human rights, diversity and inclusion in AI
- Societal and environmental issues related to AI
- Professional development and transferable skills
The 2026 edition also introduced new themes, including the links between AI and mental health, conversational agents, and accessibility and disability.
A High-Profile Side Event on AI
Alongside the Summer School, an event bringing together representatives of the Quebec and Mexican governments addressed strategic issues related to AI governance, responsible AI, industrial development and AI talent training.
These exchanges helped strengthen ties between the Quebec and Mexican ecosystems while advancing thinking on regional AI governance.
To mark the closing of the Summer School and this side event, a festive cocktail reception brought together participants, speakers and partners. This celebration was made possible thanks to the presence and generous support of the Délégation générale du Québec au Mexique.
The 2026 Edition by the Numbers
- 39 participants representing 20 nationalities
- 28 speakers from 4 continents
- 40 hours of courses, workshops and collaborative projects
- 96% of participants would recommend the Summer School.
- 100% feel the program fostered a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
- 100% say they gained new skills or knowledge through their participation.
What Participants Are Saying
“I feel like it was my privilege to be part of such a program, especially its diverse cohort and the immense ecosystem that it creates for you. You get exposed to diverse thoughts, learning and unlearning many things along the way. I would recommend everyone who works at the intersection of AI and Society to participate in this program.”
“I come from a mathematical background where what we consider interdisciplinarity is collaborating with computer scientists. This summer school has completely reshaped my perspective. I always wanted to learn more about how other AI communities (lawyers, journalists, economists...) think, but I never knew what collaboration with them could actually look like. Rarely in life do you leave a talk feeling like your perspective has been fundamentally shifted. Yet, at this summer school, it happened to me every single day. Whether through the amazing talks and presenters we heard, or through meeting the cohort itself. On our very first day, I got to meet so many people from so many different backgrounds. Each and every one of them was inspiring in their own way. Their stories moved me, and their drive motivated me. I am so proud of everyone for communicating so naturally and openly despite cultural, sectoral, and disciplinary differences. I am also excited to share that this summer school gave birth to an international and interdisciplinary project involving 10 of the participants. I am beyond excited to see what the future holds, because this summer school was only the beginning.”
“At the beginning of the week, we were told that our experience would be ordinary or extraordinary depending on our own actions. I have to disagree: this program could be nothing less than extraordinary from day one. The dedication of the team, the brilliance of the speakers, and the depth of the curriculum make it impossible to leave unchanged. If you are considering applying for the next cohort, do not hesitate—take the leap. It is a profoundly transformative experience. Thank you for everything.”
