Jude Kong

Dr. Kong is a professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Mathematics Department, University of Toronto, where he serves as the director of the Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Modeling lab (AIMM lab). Additionally, he is the Director of the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium and the Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network. He is also the Regional Node Liaison to the steering committee of the Canadian Black Scientist Network. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics with a certificate in AI from the University of Alberta, his MSc in Engineering Mathematics from the University of Hamburg, Germany, and the University of L'Aquila, Italy. His B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics was acquired at the University of Buea, Cameroon, and his B.Ed.  in Mathematics was earned at University of Yaounde I, Cameroon. He did a 2-years of postdoc at Princeton University. Dr. Kong is an expert in AI, data science, mathematical modeling, and mathematics education. His principal research program focuses on designing and deploying AI, data science, and mathematical methodologies and technologies to build equitable, resilient governance strategies and increase societal preparedness for future global pandemics and climate disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kong led a team of 52+ researchers across nine African countries, using AI to help contain and manage the virus. In 2022, he founded the AI4PEP network, overseeing 160+ researchers from 16 countries. The network focuses on leveraging Southern-led responsible AI solutions to enhance public health systems for better prevention, preparedness, and response to disease outbreaks. Dr. Kong’s many research contributions and exceptional leadership have earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions. These include the York University (YU)  Research Leader Award in 2020; recognition as one of Canada’s Innovation Research Leaders in 2021, recognition as a Black Hero of Operational Research by the Operational Research Society in 2021, recognition as a YU Community Change Maker in 2022; recognition from YU Magazine for enumerating positive change by inspiring Black students to aspire in 2022; nomination for the 2022 Postdoc Supervisor of the Year Award; 2022 Faculty of Science, YU  Early Career Researcher Award; YU 2023 Research Leader Award and the 2023 YU President’s Emerging Research Leadership Award. He is an Editor for Data & Policy Journal; Royal Society Science; Scientific Reports, and Big Data and Information Analytics.