AI could transform research assessment — and some academics are worried
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The University of Nebraska System has launched an Artificial Intelligence Institute, co-directed by Santosh Pitla and Adrian Wisnicki, to promote a responsible and practical approach to AI that addresses real-world problems in Nebraska. The institute aims to integrate AI into education and research across all campuses, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and focusing on empowering people with AI tools, supported by a $250,000 Google grant and the Nebraska Research Initiative.
The 2026 AI+Education Summit, hosted by Stanford, highlighted the need to rethink student assessment, AI literacy, and the equitable use of technology in education. Experts emphasized that AI should not replace human connection and that a structured curriculum on AI is essential to prevent students from using AI to bypass meaningful learning.
AI is becoming an integral part of talent acquisition, with varying levels of maturity from assistive AI to fully autonomous agents, and notable acquisitions such as Paradox by Workday and SmartRecruiters by SAP highlight its growing importance. Buyers should consider the differences in AI capabilities, such as generative AI for creating content and copilots for specific tasks, while being mindful of compliance, bias, privacy, and security risks associated with AI technology.
UNESCO emphasizes the importance of public access to information, transparency, and accountability, while highlighting the urgent need to protect vital frozen areas crucial for freshwater and climate stability. The organization also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education, advocating for equitable access and inclusive dialogue to reshape curricula and policies with a focus on human rights, justice, and inclusion.
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At the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, King's College London highlighted its contributions to AI education and research, with Dr. Caitlin Bentley presenting innovative projects and addressing the risks of deskilling in human-AI collaboration.
California State University is implementing ChatGPT Edu across its 23 campuses, a $17 million initiative aimed at providing equitable access to AI tools for students and faculty, despite existing budget constraints and faculty concerns over academic integrity. While the university hopes this will prepare students for a digitally advanced future, critics argue the funds could be better spent addressing financial struggles, program cuts, and faculty layoffs.
Prestigious universities in California, including the University of Southern California and California State University, are investing millions in AI tools like ChatGPT for students, despite facing budget deficits and laying off staff. Critics argue that this spending prioritizes technology over human resources and could inhibit critical thinking, questioning the appropriateness of such investments in higher education.
Google DeepMind is partnering with the Indian government and local institutions to broaden access to AI capabilities, focusing on areas such as science, education, and public services. The collaboration includes initiatives like the $30 million Google.
The University of Texas at Austin will open a new School of Computing in Fall 2026, uniting computer science, information, statistics, and data sciences to enhance interdisciplinary research and prepare students for a rapidly evolving economy. The school aims to recruit 50 faculty members and expand educational opportunities, supporting UT's mission to lead in computing, data, and AI while addressing complex technological and societal challenges.