The science and engineering of AI have been the subject of research for decades, but the past two years have seen a step-change in capability and availability, with AI products moving into the mainstream.

Whether you see it as an opportunity or a challenge, we know that ignoring the implications of AI is not an option because it is already in everyday use by our colleagues, students and competitors. It challenges existing models of teaching and learning, has become essential in many fields to conducting world-leading research, and has the potential to transform operational processes.

In response to this, the competitive landscape in HE is changing, and we need to grasp the opportunities if we are to remain a leading research and teaching institution and continue to strive to achieve our vision to be recognised globally for the excellence of our people, research, learning and innovation, and for the benefits we bring to society and the environment.

Getting the foundations right

Getting the foundations right is essential to ensure we are not only prepared for this change but able to harness the potential and meet the challenges created by AI.

It will be essential to develop solid, institution-wide foundations, establishing a framework of guiding principles, developing a clear vision, and establishing key elements of our approach.

Teaching and learning

We know that AI is already challenging existing models of teaching and learning and is set to drive fundamental change. Back in February 2023 our Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, Professor April McMahon considered the hype and reality of ChatGTP, in particular, on teaching and learning. 

We know AI more generally will impact so much, from the way we design and deliver courses to their content, and ultimately the way students learn.

We want to continue to ensure our students have the best possible experience and remain competitive in our ever-changing job market. To do this we need to grasp the opportunities presented by AI-enabled teaching and learning and ensure that both our colleagues and students are prepared.

Research and innovation

AI is not only a critically important area of research in its own right, but it is also becoming an essential tool in pursuing world-leading research in virtually every discipline, whilst creating new research challenges around societal impact.

To remain internationally competitive we need to grow our capacity to undertake AI, AI-enabled and AI-related research, within an ethical framework. AI should also play a central role in our innovation strategy, creating the capability to deliver positive economic and societal impacts.

Enabling delivery

As well as impacting directly on the core mission of the University, AI also has the potential to transform delivery, changing fundamentally the way we work and the way we deliver our services.

Realising the benefits of AI will require significant investment in technology and training. It will be particularly important to recognise, and manage inclusively, the changing role of colleagues in an AI-enabled organisation.

What next?

We know that there are issues that need to be addressed, with that in mind we have developed an institutional review of AI to provide a framework for action.

With this in mind, more than 64 colleagues and I, from a broad range of functions from across the University, have created an institutional review of AI that sets out an ambitious agenda for change. This has now been endorsed by the Board of Governors.

Within this review we focus on a range of topics to truly delve into the potential of AI and what we need to do to prepare ourselves for the change, including Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Social Responsibility, Ethics, Risk, and Economic Impact.

Share your feedback

As we look ahead to taking some of these changes and recommendations forward, we are keen to hear your views and thoughts on our institutional approach and the findings of the report. If you have any questions or feedback please comment below or get in touch via ai.review@manchester.ac.uk.

Chris Taylor, Associate Vice-President (Digital Strategy and Innovation)

*University of Manchester Institutional Review of Artificial Intelligence 

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