ARC Conversations: Data and AI Debate

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we live and work — from communication and creativity to decision-making in business, government and daily life.

Its impact on higher education is especially pressing.

AI promises to accelerate research, personalise learning and ease administrative tasks, yet it also raises concerns about academic integrity, equity and the role of human expertise.

This debate, as part of the Data and AI Festival, will explore these opportunities and challenges across research, teaching and academic practice, under the motion: “AI in academia: embrace or resist?”

Agenda:

16:00 -16:50 – Debate

16:50 -17:15 - Audience Q&A

17:15 -17:45 - Drinks & networking

Speakers

Supporting the motion:

Ana Basiri - Professor of Geospatial Data Science and Director of Centre for Data Science and AI - School of Geographical & Earth Sciences

David Lowe - Clinical Director of Innovation at Digital Health Validation Lab and Honorary Professor - School of Health & Wellbeing

Bridgette Wessels - Professor of Social Inequalities - School of Social & Political Sciences

Resisting the motion:

Tim Barker - Professor of Media Technology and Aesthetics - School of Culture & Creative Arts

Wim Vanderbauwhede - Professor in Computing Science, Lead of the Low Carbon and Sustainable Computing activity at the School of Computing Science

Michael Hicks - Lecturer in Philosophy of Science / Technology - School of Humanities

...and Chaired by Pauline Mackay - Professor of Robert Burns Studies and Cultural Heritage - School of Critical Studies

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This event is free, but ticketed.

There will be drinks available after the event, while stocks last.

Please enter the ARC via the main entrance, as indicated on the map below.

If you have any specific access requirements, please contact QVJDRW5nYWdlIHwgZ2xhc2dvdyAhIGFjICEgdWs=

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Glasgow, Festivals in Glasgow.