University of Warwick Sparks AI Innovation Dialogue with Microsoft and Russell Group Leaders

University of Warwick Sparks AI Innovation Dialogue with Microsoft and Russell Group Leaders

(IN BRIEF) The University of Warwick convened senior leaders from Microsoft and the Russell Group on 9th April to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to revolutionise higher education. Led by Raja-Saleem Javaid, the AI Forum focused on integrating AI to personalise teaching, accelerate research, and foster innovative learning environments. Key discussions included incorporating AI into the curriculum, enhancing student engagement, preparing graduates for an AI-enabled workplace, and addressing ethical and practical challenges. The event emphasized collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, illustrating how shared practices in AI can enrich the educational experience and drive economic prosperity. Leaders from Microsoft and the Russell Group highlighted the importance of creating an AI-literate community and developing best practices to ensure safe, equitable, and ethical use of AI in universities.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 13-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Warwick recently brought together senior leaders from Microsoft and key figures from the Russell Group on Wednesday, 9th April, to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, collaboration, and its transformative impact on higher education. The event, known as the AI Forum, was spearheaded by Raja-Saleem Javaid, Warwick’s Chief Information and Transformation Officer, and focused on leveraging AI to personalise educational experiences, speed up research, and foster groundbreaking innovation.

Representatives including Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Senior Industry Advisors from Microsoft explored various topics such as embedding AI in learning processes, meeting student expectations for AI integration, preparing graduates for an AI-driven workplace, and addressing both ethical and practical challenges associated with AI. The discussions underscored the potential for AI to enhance collaboration—not only within the university itself but across the entire higher education sector through partnerships like those within the Russell Group and with technology leaders like Microsoft.

Reflecting on the forum, Raja-Saleem Javaid stated, “The University of Warwick is a trailblazer in innovation. For 60 years, we have been pushing the boundaries of research and technology, and this forum, which brought together the Russell Group and Microsoft, marks another exciting milestone. AI is now integral to every aspect of our work—from curriculum design and real-time research data analysis to streamlining administrative tasks—and it is fundamentally reshaping higher education.”

Discussions highlighted AI’s significant benefits, such as fostering critical thinking, freeing up time for creativity and research, and reducing administrative burdens. At the same time, challenges such as ensuring comprehensive AI integration throughout the learning cycle and promoting AI literacy among all stakeholders were candidly addressed. Amanda Sleight, General Manager for the UK Public Sector at Microsoft, commented on the pivotal role of AI in education, emphasizing that shared good practices can accelerate better outcomes for both students and universities. Similarly, Joanna Burton, Head of Policy (Higher Education) at the Russell Group, stressed that as generative AI continues to transform the university experience, collaboration across sectors is essential to maintain a balance between innovation, ethical use, and equitable access.

Warwick AI Forum-2 (Amanda Sleight, Microsoft)

About The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, a member of the Russell Group, and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over 28,000 students from 147 countries, it’s currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide.

It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.

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SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK