Global Partnerships & Emerging Research Priorities

AIMMLab and the AI4PEP Network, both led by Prof. Jude Kong, are built on the conviction that the most pressing global health challenges require genuinely global, equitable, and inclusive responses. Our partnerships span more than 23 countries and are designed to centre Southern-led innovation, diaspora expertise, and community knowledge alongside cutting-edge AI and mathematical modelling.

Key Focus Areas

  • Canada–Africa Research Strategy: Through the Africa-Canada AI and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), AIMMLab advances joint innovation in AI, data science, and mathematical modelling for health system strengthening directly aligned with Canada's Africa engagement priorities.
  • South–South and diaspora collaboration: We actively engage the African Scholar Diaspora Network and the Canadian Black Scientists Network to elevate home-grown talent, amplify underrepresented voices, and build lasting leadership pipelines in global health research.
  • Decolonising research practice: Our work centres community voices, lived experiences, and locally contextualised knowledge in the design and deployment of AI and health systems moving beyond extraction toward co-creation and reciprocity.
  • AI4PEP Network — Global Health AI at Scale: Directed by Prof. Kong, AI4PEP connects 230+ researchers across 23 countries to develop scalable, locally relevant AI tools for pandemic and epidemic preparedness with equity and transparency at its core.
  • Responsible AI & data governance: We develop frameworks that treat data as a shared public good secure, ethically governed, and accessible supporting both national health security and cross-border research collaboration.
  • Inclusive global engagement: From co-leading Canada's Mathematics for Public Health (MfPH) and OMNI Early Warning Signals networks to directing international consortia, AIMMLab models what equitable, forward-thinking international science looks like in practice.
AIMMLab Global Partnership Network A hub-and-spoke diagram showing AIMMLab and AI4PEP at the centre, connected to key global partnership initiatives. AIMMLab · AI4PEP Led by Prof. Jude Kong University of Toronto ACADIC Africa-Canada AI & Data Innovation Consortium MfPH & OMNI Math for Public Health & Early Warning Networks Diaspora Networks African Scholar Diaspora & Canadian Black Scientists Responsible AI Ethics, governance & data sovereignty

Figure: AIMMLab and AI4PEP at the centre of a global network of partnerships, innovation, and responsible research.

Outcomes

  • International research alliances that are grounded in equity, reciprocity, and shared scientific leadership.
  • Elevated visibility and sustained support for African, Black, and underrepresented researchers in global health and AI.
  • Ethical AI and data governance frameworks deployable across diverse national and institutional contexts.
  • Policy-relevant tools and insights from early warning systems to decision dashboards that empower communities and inform governments across 23 countries.