The landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly in Canada and beyond—raising important questions about what this means for the field of psychology.
This November, psychology researchers, practitioners, and trainees from across Canada will gather at UBC’s Vancouver campus for two days of insight, learning, and critical conversation on AI’s role in psychological science, practice, and education.
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Satellite Conference on AI in Psychology explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the field of psychology through talks and discussions with leading experts.
Marisa Nelson, an MA student in UBC’s department of psychology, is an event volunteer and Dr. Devin Fowlie, a social psychologist, is a conference co-organizer. They join us for a Q&A where they share what inspired this special satellite conference, why it matters, and what attendees can expect to take away.
What inspired the creation of this first-ever CPA Satellite Conference on AI in Psychology?
Marisa: The annual CPA conference has been welcoming ~1200 individuals a year, but research is an ongoing process. A lot can happen in a year! The CPA’s new satellite conferences are intended to provide additional space for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of psychology in Canada. These conferences will focus on a particular theme, bringing voices together on emergent and member-driven topics. Given the rapid expansion of AI, this inaugural conference will be a great opportunity to advance dialogue within our field.
Who should attend?
Marisa: Anyone interested in the role of AI in psychology, regardless of whether you’re a student, faculty, or clinician, is encouraged to attend! This is a great opportunity to learn about the work being done on AI, engage in important dialogue, and expand your network. If you’re a CPA member, you can benefit from reduced registration fees.
Why should people be excited about this new satellite conference?
Devin: AI is already changing so much of what we do. Our hope is that this conference serves as a space for psychologists across Canada to exchange ideas, worries, excitement, and innovations as we move forward in an AI world. By bringing together experts who are already thinking deeply about these issues, we hope to encourage an open dialogue about AI so that all psychologists can contribute to shaping the future of our discipline in an AI world.
As a graduate student, what motivated you to get involved?
Marisa: As a graduate student, I’m attending because this conference because engaging in discussions that shape the future of our field makes me feel connected to the broader community of psychology. It’s so energizing to see how our ideas and research questions fit into the larger conversations shaping the profession. This topic is relevant to all of us and I look forward to learning from my peers!
What makes this conference so special?
Marisa: This is the inaugural Satellite conference which means we’re helping shape both its legacy and its future. Plus, it’s being hosted right here at UBC in the Nest, so we have the opportunity to be right at the heart of the conversation. I hope to see you there!
What do you hope attendees take away from this conference?
Devin: Two things: First, we hope that attendees come away with a deeper understanding of the breadth of impact that AI will have on our discipline. Deepening our understanding of AI will allow us to better prepare for what changes may be coming and to think deeply about what we want our relationship with AI to be. Second, we hope that attendees can come away with exciting new ideas on how we can work with AI safely and effectively, allowing psychologists to integrate those ideas into their own practice, research, or education.
The conference takes place in the UBC Nest on November 14 and 15, 2025.
