GenAI Working Group Launch Event

You are invited to the launch event for the GenAI Working Group which will be held on March 25 from 3pm in Michael Sadler LG19.  The GenAI Working Group is envisaged as a space where colleagues can explore, discuss and learn about the most transformative aspect of our times – the group of innovative and revolutionary technologies collectively known as Artificial Intelligence.  A rolling series of events, including workshops, discussions, presentations, and experiential sandpit-style technology learning sessions, is planned for the coming months and we invite you to join us, as we seek to make sense of the ramifications of this multifaceted transformation, and position ourselves optimally to utilise AI technologies to enhance our teaching offer, invigorate the student experience and prepare students for an increasingly bewildering world of work after graduation.  The Working Group will be shaped by the wishes, needs and interests of participants as it develops.

The first event will be led by Christopher Lacey, who will speak about The Coming Transformation.  This talk will focus on next-generation AI and where it might lead, examining our rapidly changing assumptions as we have responded to the already dizzying array of GenAI developments, and the ramifications of living in a world where machines are able to complete intellectual and cognitive tasks better than humans.  What will universities be for in this new era?

The talk will examine a number of future risks associated with next-generation AI and will advocate for the establishment of a Centre for AI Safety at the University, where we can produce graduates able to make clear-eyed judgements regarding the severity of risk.  The talk will advocate for an acceleration of focus on AI.  At this Promethean moment we, as an institution and as individuals, must be aware of the geography of the path we find ourselves on.

The talk will be followed by a workshop led by Clare Wright, looking at implications of GenAI ubiquity for the way we do teaching and research in our school, highlighting ways to establish some protective guardrails in our disciplinary areas, and exploring further training needs for staff.

We look forward to seeing you at the event.

This is a hybrid session to maximise opportunities for staff attendance and will be recorded for those unable to join live.

This event is supported by CELT, the Centre for Excellence in Language TeachingCoffee and tea will be provided.

For further information, and to discuss potential ideas for workshops or presentations please contact Christopher Lacey at [email protected]