Waterloo co-op students contribute to innovative AI research on an international scale with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
By: Jed Bick (he/him)
With hands-on research and cross-cultural collaboration, students are driving global advancements in Artificial Intelligence through a groundbreaking partnership with the Norwegian university.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the University of Waterloo have a unique partnership. A component of International Work-Integrated-Learning in Artificial Intelligence (IWIL AI), the project is funded by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills. Both universities hire students from the other to work on AI projects and research.
The importance and evolution of AI research
While looking for a co-op job for Fall 2023, Tony Li (he/him), a third-year software engineering student, came across the unique opportunity for an international experience in AI. He jumped at the prospect of working at NTNU, the largest technical university in Norway, which hosts approximately 44,000 students and 9,100 employees.
“Working with AI and getting to do some hands-on research really intrigued me,” says Li. “When I first came to Waterloo, I never thought I'd be doing an international work term. I think the experience, as well as having the chance to live abroad and explore the Scandinavian culture was amazing.”
Li expanded his mindset through his work at NTNU, which helped with the progression of AI research. His day-to-day tasks included researching information from academic papers, running code, getting data sets and training large language models (LLMs). An important aspect of Li’s research involved ensuring the programs retained a human-centred focus.
“AI is still a helping or guiding tool, it doesn't necessarily completely replace someone,” says Li. “It can make you more productive and produce results faster, but you still need a human brain to double-check for errors or inaccuracies.”
Co-op students apply future-ready skills to AI research
Working on this research abroad, through the partnership between the universities, allows Li and his Generation Z peers to apply their skills and further their understanding of AI and its capabilities.
“Artificial intelligence is gaining more importance for us to address societal challenges or other possible problems we may have,” says Özlem Özgöbek (she/her), project manager for IWIL AI and associate professor, computer science at NTNU.
“We are using AI technologies every day and it is very important for future generations to be more considerate, aware and knowledgeable about it.”
NTNU is the recipient of the 2023 Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) Employer Impact Awards for Impact in International Excellence.
It received this award for cultivating an impactful partnership involving Waterloo and its students to help further AI innovation and progressive research.
Through working abroad, students not only develop a sense of self, but an understanding of international cultures as well. The partnership with NTNU provides a meaningful work opportunity for students to gain new international experiences while making an impact by applying the skills they've learned from the co-op program. NTNU’s partnership is also about building AI skills in Canadian and Norwegian graduating talent.
Adapting to a new culture
NTNU works to make the transition to a new country smooth, comfortable and fun for students from the University of Waterloo. The team organizes social activities and opportunities for students, like skiing and hiking trips, to emphasize the social and cultural importance of the work term.
Özlem Özgöbek, associate professor, computer science at NTNU and project manager for IWIL AI
"You want them to feel welcomed and integrated. So far, they've all been very good at adapting very quickly,” says Özgöbek (she/her). “We are trying to help them as much as we can, but I think they've also been successful at initiating social contacts.”
During his work term at NTNU, Li focused on developing his time management skills, immersing himself in local culture and learning some of the language.
“It's a very rewarding challenge because you learn a lot about yourself,” says Li. “You learn how to navigate challenges, including the Norwegian language and a new culture. The experience really helps you grow as a person and expands your mindset.”
A continuing partnership
NTNU, its industry partners and other international employers benefit from the skills and knowledge Waterloo students apply to their work and studies.
“International employers should consider hiring Waterloo students like me because of our experience in addition to a strong academic background,” says Li. “I think for NTNU, elements they are getting back from us as Waterloo students include our work ethic and the way we approach and solve problems.”
Özgöbek hopes the partnership with Waterloo can go beyond the student exchange to further collaboration in research, innovation and other cultural activities. “We believe that this partnership is very important for both Canadian and Norwegian students to understand different cultures and different ways of approaching AI-related problems,” she says.
We feel very privileged that we have won this award. I hope it helps disseminate our project even further in both Canada and Norway.