Weyt-kp. Bonjour. Hello everyone, 

April is Earth Month and sustainability has been front of mind across campus, including some really good questions about how AI and the data centre fit into the picture. TRU horaizon is working closely with the Sustainability Office and value-aligned partners – like Bell AI – to share more openly as we learn, and we’re putting together an FAQ and landing page to address the most common questions, including how our AI and sustainability commitments connect. 

We believe TRU may be setting a new standard for how data centres are built and operated sustainably. This matters because responsible AI at TRU runs across every layer. From physical infrastructure, to building values-first models, to applying AI to real-world challenges.  

That’s just one of the conversations picking up energy across campus. Four months into TRU horaizon, we’re hearing more curiosity about AI generally – how it connects to people’s work, their disciplines and what comes next. And alongside that, we’re hearing something else consistently: people want more ways to get involved. 

We’re starting to think more intentionally about how to make that happen – connecting people’s interests and strengths in meaningful ways, whether through advisory roles, testing ideas or contributing in other ways. If that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Connect with us

We’ve put together a short two-minute survey to help us understand where there’s interest: Take the survey

Since my last update 

CFJC Today video series 

You may also have seen the launch of a CFJC Today video series exploring AI use and research at TRU. 

Part 1, AI and Robotics at TRU: Institutional Augmentation,is now available. It explores how artificial intelligence might expand the capabilities of institutions rather than replace the people within them. 

Several members of the TRU community contributed perspectives to the series, including @Geoff Fink and TRU Assistant Professor @Jill Harvey, alongside partners from the BC Wildfire Service and the BC Ministry of Forests. 

Additional segments will be released weekly on April 24, May 1 and May 8. 

TRU at BCNET 

@President Airini, @Matt Norton and @Shikha Vats are representing TRU horaizon and our AI capacities at BCNET, a provincial network that brings together IT leaders to collaborate on digital infrastructure and innovation across BC. 

They spoke about TRU’s approach to AI as both responsible and applied, and how those principles are being built into the work from the ground up. 

The session was standing room only, with a full room and additional attendees throughout. More than a dozen people stayed afterwards to continue the conversation, with interest continuing even as the session wrapped up. 

It was a good reminder that the work happening at TRU is part of a broader conversation across the province, and that there is real interest in how institutions are approaching AI in practical, values-driven ways. 

Til next time 

Thank you to everyone who continues to engage, ask questions and share ideas. The momentum across campus is encouraging. 

Xyemstwécw. We respect each other, the land, knowledge and the peoples of our region. That commitment continues to guide how we approach new technologies and their impact on our community. 

Please continue sharing your questions or suggestions at horaizon@tru.ca. We read every note that comes into our inboxes. 

Kukwstsétselp. Merci. Thank you, 

Andrea Li 
Special Advisor to the President on AI