VUB and FARI launch pioneering AI postgrad course

On 1 February, the first students will begin the postgrad course AI for the Common Good at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The programme consists of 22 classes over three months and is the first of its type to focus on accelerating sustainable innovation using artificial intelligence. It is intended for recent graduates and professionals with an interest in IT and AI innovation.

AI is experiencing rapid growth. In terms of technological progress, it is a vital tool for shaping the future. At the same time, sustainability and responsible digital innovation are also becoming more important. That’s why VUB and FARI are combining those issues for the first time in the postgraduate course AI for the Common Good.

This is an English-language programme that teaches professionals and recent graduates how to create positive social impact using AI. During the classes, experts from both VUB and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) will discuss a range of topics relating to innovation. The emphasis is on real-world applications, enabling students to apply the knowledge they gain in roles such as innovation manager, analyst, architect, project officer, business developer, HR manager, recruiter and legal professional.

“We see artificial intelligence and sustainability as catalysts for a better future,” says Karen Boers, managing director at FARI. “With this postgrad course, we want to speed up responsible digital transformation. We believe that sustainable and responsible innovation based on AI will not only change the way we work and live, but that it will also offer solutions for urgent social challenges.”

The course is split into six modules, in which the interaction between technology, people and processes during the life cycle of AI projects is central.

“The lessons offer both practical experience and useful AI innovation tools. We are also designing a unique view of innovation,” says Johan Loeckx, responsable de formation pour ‘AI for the Common Good’. “Unlike conventional AI programmes, we will study various dimensions of innovation, meaning the course is accessible for people from diverse backgrounds.”

AI for the Common Good is part of the lifelong learning framework at VUB. More information is available here and registration via the same link is open until 15 January. The VUB AI expert list is available here.

Contact

• Laura Jousset, FARI Communicatieverantwoordelijke
  ​laura.jousset@vub.be
• Karen Boers, managing director FARI
  ​academy@fari.brussels
• Laetitia d’Ornano, projectmanager Artificial Intelligence Lab Brussels
  ​academy@fari.brussels

About FARI

FARI is an independent non-profit initiative working on artificial intelligence, led by two Brussels universities: the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). It brings together the interdisciplinary expertise of 10 research groups working on AI, data, robotics, social sciences, ethics and law. The goal is to help citizens, politicians, businesses and non-profits to tackle contemporary challenges in Brussels, Belgium and Europe.

FARI unites leading and future researchers to work on projects that serve the city in the field of AI (understandable and trustworthy), data (open) and robotics (human-centred). It builds bridges between governments, industry and citizens to promote sustainable AI, with a focus on urban and public priority areas such as health, mobility, climate, energy and participatory and inclusive societies.