Dr. Somto Mbelu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Mindful AI Research Institute at Ontario Tech University, where his research focuses on the trustworthiness, governance, and responsible development of open-source artificial intelligence, including understanding the value of open-source AI models to Canada. His work examines how accountability, data justice, institutional readiness, and responsible AI principles can be embedded throughout the AI lifecycle.

He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, specializing in AI ethics and governance, from Erasmus University Rotterdam. His doctoral research examined the ethical implications of AI-enabled health insurance platforms in Nigeria, with particular attention to privacy, fairness, inclusion, consent, and equitable access.

Dr. Mbelu brings more than eight years of experience across global health, digital transformation, program management, and international development. His work has included large-scale digital health initiatives involving electronic medical records, health financing, data governance, regulatory compliance, and technology-enabled service delivery. Dr. Mbelu is the Founder of the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub, a nonprofit organization advancing trustworthy and inclusive AI through research, policy engagement, public education, and cross-sector collaboration. His broader research interests include responsible and trustworthy AI, open-source AI governance, data justice, digital health, and context-sensitive approaches to the governance of emerging technologies. He is committed to bridging research, policy, and practice to advance AI systems that are trustworthy, inclusive, and responsive to societal needs.