The Digital Research Alliance of Canada has appointed Prof. Rita Orji to its prestigious Researcher Council, a decision that highlights both her international influence and her remarkable journey from Nigeria to the forefront of global technology research. Her inclusion on this council places her among a distinguished group of experts who help guide national decisions on digital research infrastructure, ensuring that Canada’s scientific ecosystem continues to evolve in step with modern discovery.
The Alliance serves as the backbone of digital research in Canada, supporting advanced computing, research software, and data management tools relied upon by researchers nationwide. As fields from health sciences to climate modelling increasingly depend on massive datasets and artificial intelligence, the Alliance’s role is central to enabling cutting-edge work. Its Researcher Council ensures that these systems are shaped by real research experiences rather than abstract policy, making the appointment of leaders like Prof. Orji vital to Canada’s scientific direction.
Rita Orji’s presence on this council is deeply significant. Born and raised in Nigeria, she has become one of the most respected African voices in North American technology research. Now a professor of Computer Science at Dalhousie University and Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology, she has built an influential career designing systems that encourage positive behaviour change. Through her Persuasive Computing Lab, she develops evidence-based digital tools, interactive apps, games, and AI-driven interventions, that support health, wellness, and social good. She is known for designing technology that respects cultural differences, ensuring solutions work not only in theory but in real communities.
Her rise has been accompanied by major recognition. Just a few days ago, she received Nova Scotia’s Thinking Forward Award for her leadership and mentorship across the tech ecosystem. This honour adds to a long list of awards including the Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship, induction into the Global Young Academy, recognition among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and several distinctions for outstanding research. Alongside her academic achievements, she remains a visible champion for diversity and inclusion, especially for young women, Africans, and underrepresented groups pursuing careers in technology.
Her appointment to the Researcher Council underscores the importance of merging technical excellence with lived experience. Her perspective as a globally recognized scholar and as a Nigerian who understands the importance of inclusive access to technology, adds depth to national conversations about digital research.
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