Prof. Jude Kong

Co Founder

Prof. Kong is a globally recognized scholar and research leader at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and mathematical modelling. He is a Canada Research Chair in Community-Oriented Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, and a faculty member at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments spanning public health, mathematics, and policy. As the founding Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Modelling Lab (AIMMLab), he leads interdisciplinary research focused on developing AI-driven and mathematical solutions to complex real-world challenges in epidemiology, ecology, and socio-economic systems.

Beyond academia, Prof. Kong is a builder of global research ecosystems and a strong advocate for responsible, community-centered AI. He serves as Director of both the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC) and the Global South AI for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), where he has led large, multi-country collaborations advancing AI solutions for public health and development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated research efforts across multiple African countries, demonstrating the practical impact of AI in crisis response, and has since expanded these efforts into a global network of researchers and policymakers. His work continues to shape how AI is applied in underserved regions, combining technical excellence with a strong commitment to equity, capacity building, and real-world impact.