Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed

Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, also serving as the Director of the “Third Space” research group. His research focuses on the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a particular emphasis on developing responsible AI technologies and involving marginalized communities. He has collaborated with marginalized groups in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Canada, the USA, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, and Ecuador to develop technologies and has published over 100 research papers at top international conferences like CHI, CSCW, and FaccT. His work has been supported by Canada’s three major federal research agencies, the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of Bangladesh. He is the recipient of prestigious awards including the Fulbright Scholarship, Google Inclusion Research Award, and Facebook Faculty Research Award. He also organizes academic initiatives and workshops that analyze the social impacts and ethical considerations of computer science.

• 2020–Present·Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto·Associate Professor
  • Leads the “Third Space” research group, focusing on responsible AI, social justice, and sustainability; supervises graduate students; and teaches courses such as "Computers and Society" and "AI Ethics."
  • Co-organizes the “Critical Computing Seminar” and “Responsible AI Reading Group” at the University of Toronto.
  • Co-Director of the PRISM project, providing advanced computer science education training for students from marginalized communities.
• 2015–2020·Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto·Assistant Professor
  • Conducted research in Human-Computer Interaction and Information and Communication Technology and Development (ICTD), developing technology solutions for communities in the Global South.

• 2011–2015·Cornell University·PhD
  • Specialized in the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information and Communication Technology and Development (ICTD), under the supervision of Professor Steve Jackson.
• 2008–2010·Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)·Master's Degree
  • Focused on Computer Science and Engineering.
• 2004–2008·Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)·Bachelor's Degree
  • Majored in Computer Science and Engineering.