AI's Societal and Industrial Impact: Interdisciplinary Views

Published Date : 9/10/2025 

Explore the diverse perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) from experts in technology, ethics, and law. This interdisciplinary round table discussion, organized in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy Ottawa, delves into the ethical, legal, and practical implications of AI in various sectors. 

Raphaëlle De Gagné joined Air Canada in 2018 within the internal consulting team and transitioned to the Artificial Intelligence team in 2022. She is currently in charge of AI & Data Governance and Strategy for Air Canada. Her team identifies AI opportunities and ensures the operationalization of Air Canada’s AI ethics policies across all applications, while also overseeing enterprise-wide data governance practices and strategic data initiatives. Ms De Gagné also leads a team of AI product managers developing proprietary solutions, aligning business objectives with technical execution while ensuring long-term product strategy. Prior to joining Air Canada, she worked in consulting, specializing in process improvement and performance management. She holds an MSc in International Management from Ivey Business School and a trilingual BBA from HEC Montréal.

Eugen R. Dolezal is a social ethicist and theologian who focuses on the intersection of ethics, technology, and society. The primary focus of his research is on the fields of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular emphasis on their ethical implications. More specifically, he examines how these emerging technologies impact human dignity, mental privacy, and social justice. Additionally, he examines the relationship between empirics and ethics, striving for a balanced integration of both in the analysis of technologies. He served as a co-author of a study for the European Parliament that examined the ethical, sociological, and legal implications of neurotechnology. Furthermore, he provides scientific advice to the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs on matters related to neurotechnology ethics. His previous project as a research fellow at the University of Graz focused on the intersection of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of dementia care. Presently, the focus of his academic endeavors is at the University of Vienna, where he is pursuing his studies while concurrently teaching AI Literacy at the University College of Teacher Education Styria and other institutions.

Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa de Queiroz, BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD has more than 15 years of experience in Software Engineering, with 9 years dedicated to AI Systems Engineering. Dr. Barbosa de Queiroz is a Senior Staff Engineer leading Architecture of AI Systems at a TIME100 most influential companies 2025. He also serves as a Technical Expert and Project Manager of strategic Industry-Academia Collaboration Projects, leading cross-functional initiatives focused on the development and deployment of novel AI technologies for autonomous, scalable, and trustworthy intelligent systems. His areas of expertise include Self-Driving Systems, Multi-Agent Systems, Real-Time Assurance frameworks, and the integration of Large Vision and Language Models into complex, adaptive environments. In addition to his technical leadership, Dr. Barbosa de Queiroz has been deeply involved in hiring and mentoring engineers through building high-performing teams across both research and production settings. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo (Canada), a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), and an MBA in Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (Brazil).

Mag. Dr. Stefan-Michael Wedenig, LL.M, D.C.L, KC HS is the Executive Director of the Institute and Centre for Research in Air and Space Law at McGill University. He earned a Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) as well as Master of Laws (LL.M.) from McGill University and a Magister Iuris (Mag.iur.) from Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria. His research examines the international responsibility of States for space activities involving artificial intelligence (AI). He investigates how AI interacts with public international law, extra-contractual liability, and various sources of international law, focusing on the adaptability of current legal frameworks to the emergence of AI in space operations. Beyond his primary research, he also explores topics in aviation finance, sovereignty, and urban air mobility. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the role of AI in data governance at Air Canada?

A: At Air Canada, AI is used to identify opportunities and ensure the operationalization of AI ethics policies across all applications. It also oversees enterprise-wide data governance practices and strategic data initiatives.

Q: How does Eugen Dolezal approach the ethical implications of AI and neurotechnology?

A: Eugen Dolezal focuses on the intersection of ethics, technology, and society, particularly examining how AI and neurotechnology impact human dignity, mental privacy, and social justice.

Q: What are Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa de Queiroz's key areas of expertise in AI systems?

A: Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa de Queiroz specializes in Self-Driving Systems, Multi-Agent Systems, Real-Time Assurance frameworks, and the integration of Large Vision and Language Models into complex, adaptive environments.

Q: What is the focus of Dr. Stefan-Michael Wedenig's research at McGill University?

A: Dr. Stefan-Michael Wedenig's research examines the international responsibility of States for space activities involving AI, focusing on how AI interacts with public international law and various legal frameworks.

Q: How does the interdisciplinary round table discussion contribute to the understanding of AI?

A: The round table discussion brings together experts from technology, ethics, and law to explore the ethical, legal, and practical implications of AI in various sectors, providing a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective. 

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