Hugo Larochelle Appointed Scientific Director of Mila Institute

The Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, known as Mila, has appointed Hugo Larochelle as its new Scientific Director, effective September 2, 2025. Larochelle, currently an Adjunct Professor at the Université de Montréal, previously led Google’s AI research lab in Montreal. He succeeds Laurent Charlin, who has been acting in the role since Yoshua Bengio transitioned to the position of founder and Scientific Advisor of Mila.

This appointment marks a significant shift in leadership at Mila, an institution renowned for its contributions to artificial intelligence research. Larochelle’s extensive background in AI and deep learning positions him uniquely to steer the organization toward future innovations. His leadership is anticipated to bolster Mila’s ongoing mission of advancing AI research and development both locally and globally.

Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in the field and one of the co-founders of Mila, expressed confidence in Larochelle’s capabilities. He highlighted Larochelle’s experience at Google, suggesting it will provide valuable insights that can drive Mila’s research agenda. Bengio stated, “Hugo’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in elevating Mila’s impact on the AI landscape.”

Larochelle’s academic credentials are complemented by his practical experience, making him a fitting successor to Charlin. As head of Google’s AI research lab, he oversaw numerous projects that have shaped contemporary AI applications. His appointment is expected to enhance collaborations with industry partners and academic institutions, further enriching the research environment at Mila.

Under Larochelle’s direction, Mila aims to maintain its reputation as a leader in AI research. The institute has garnered attention for its focus on ethical AI and its commitment to training the next generation of researchers. With Larochelle at the helm, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for groundbreaking work that aligns technological advancements with societal needs.

The leadership transition occurs at a time when the demand for AI innovation is surging across sectors. As organizations increasingly harness AI’s potential, Mila’s role in this expansion is more critical than ever. Larochelle’s vision for the future will likely focus on cultivating talent, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of AI research.

As the world watches Mila’s next steps, the appointment of Hugo Larochelle signals a promising future for the institute and its impact on the field of artificial intelligence.