Elisabeth Viau

Research Project

Reducing the agricultural digital divide: challenges and perspectives for inclusive adoption of technologies in Canada

Biography

Elisabeth Viau is a PhD candidate in Industrial Engineering and Mathematics at the Polytechnique Montréal.  Her research focuses on the digital transition of agriculture, aiming to promote more sustainable and inclusive practices. Her focus is on the social and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, analyzing how unequal access to these tools can deepen disparities, especially for small-scale farmers and indigenous communities.
With a master's degree in business intelligence, she is also contributing to the development of an AI algorithm in Japan, designed to assess the social and environmental impacts of renewable energy plants. At the same time, she is actively involved in initiatives promoting responsible artificial intelligence, support for the next generation of Indigenous researchers and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Born into a farming family in Quebec, Elisabeth has developed a deep connection with nature and a passion for sustainable agriculture. Her goal is to contribute to the development of more equitable and inclusive agricultural models.

Through the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, she hopes to deepen her knowledge of global challenges and collaborate with a community committed to transforming current issues into sustainable opportunities. Outside of her studies, she finds balance in activities involving engaged art, philosophical reflection and sports.