This year, we acknowledge Professor Andy Greenshaw with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Andy has made an outstanding contribution to the digital mental health field, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. He has spent decades advancing technology’s integration into mental health care, blending expertise in psychiatry with leading-edge research into artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

As a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta, Andy has used his deep understanding of biological psychiatry to drive advancements in mental health technology forward. In 2016, he became the founding Scientific Director of the APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, representing 21 economies and nearly 3 billion people—an unparalleled responsibility in promoting mental health across borders.

In 2018, Andy was invited by the Canadian Federal Government to present at the prestigious G7 summit in Montreal as the sole speaker on AI in the health sector, a true testament to his expertise. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in digital health initiatives, from collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to championing AI-driven tools for mental health assessment and treatment. His work includes pioneering developments in chatbot technology and AI-based tools designed for diagnosing and predicting mental health challenges such as depression, PTSD, and addiction.

What makes Andy’s achievements truly special is his commitment to cross-border collaboration. He has been at the forefront of partnerships between Canada, China, the Philippines, and more recently, New Zealand and Australia, facilitating international roundtables on digital mental health. His work consistently ensures that the most innovative and effective technologies are applied to support mental health on a global scale.

Andy’s visionary thinking, strategic leadership, and passion for AI’s potential in mental health make him a remarkable figure in this field. He has consistently pushed boundaries, demonstrating that we can use technology ethically and responsibly to revolutionize mental health care.

Congratulations Andy!