AI forum at Warwick explores future of higher education

The University of Warwick has hosted senior leaders from Microsoft and the Russell Group for a forum focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence in higher education.

The AI Forum, led by Raja-Saleem Javaid, Chief Information and Transformation Officer at Warwick, brought together Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Senior Industry Advisors from Microsoft to discuss the opportunities and challenges of embedding AI in university learning and research.

Central topics included how to incorporate AI into teaching, student expectations for AI use in higher education, preparing students for an AI-enabled workplace, addressing ethical and practical concerns, and fostering collaboration across the Russell Group in the digital era.

The event aimed to strengthen partnerships within the higher education sector and between universities and industry, focusing on collaboration to drive progress. Discussions explored how partnerships could be formed and how AI could enhance student and researcher cooperation.

Addressing the forum's scope and vision, Raja-Saleem Javaid said, "The University of Warwick is a trailblazer for innovation. For 60 years, we've been at the forefront of research, testing new boundaries with new technologies. Hosting this AI Forum, convening the Russell Group and Microsoft, is our latest exciting step forward for innovation.

"AI is woven into everything that we do and in every facet of our lives in higher education. Whether it's supporting teaching through curriculum design, real time data analysis for research, or supporting administrative tasks, AI is making us reimagine higher education."

Attendees considered how AI might help students develop greater critical thinking abilities when engaging with automated tools. They also considered the potential for AI to free up time for creativity and research by automating administrative processes. The need to ensure broader AI literacy and the effective use of AI at all stages of learning were highlighted as ongoing challenges for universities.

The discussions also reflected on how a widespread embrace of AI is expected to help the British higher education sector maintain a high standard of student experience, drive research breakthroughs, and contribute to economic growth.

Amanda Sleight, General Manager for the UK Public Sector at Microsoft, commented: "Education is fundamental to the success of every individual in this country, and Microsoft believes that AI is fundamental in supporting higher education. From engaging students more effectively, being inclusive, and harnessing AI, we can help students perform better at university.

"Microsoft supports Warwick's AI Forum because we fundamentally believe that by sharing good practice, we can help accelerate outcomes for students and universities."

Joanna Burton, Head of Policy (Higher Education) at the Russell Group, said, "Generative AI is already transforming the university experience in exciting ways. As advances continue to accelerate globally, Russell Group universities are working to ensure that we fully understand both its benefits and limitations, and that our communities are using AI tools with care, creativity and a critical eye. Our members are proactively sharing experiences and learnings from use cases around the world to develop sector-wide best practice."

"This week's conference is a good example of how we can work with external experts and industry to make sure we stay at the forefront of emerging developments, make the most of opportunities to enrich the university experience, and tackle challenges together – including trust and safety, strong governance, ethical use and equality of access. This continued collaboration will be vital as we prepare students with the right skills for the future."