New guidance on use of generative AI published in white paper

In a newly published white paper, the Web Science Institute (WSI) have outlined guidance on the use and integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the higher education sector.

Written by PhD candidate Arjun Raj Awasthi and sociologist Dr Achala Gupta , the paper considers perspectives from government, academia and industry on the contentious debates surrounding GenAI tools and the new opportunities arising for the higher education sector as a result of their increasing popularity.

Focusing on the impacts and influences of GenAI on academic integrity, accessibility and ethics, the paper offers guidance to higher education institutions looking to responsibly implement new artificial intelligence technologies. Dr Achala Gupta shares more details:

“Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is reshaping higher education, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Our white paper unpacks the key debates, policies, and possibilities surrounding GenAI in higher education.

“Across the sector, it is vital to move beyond uncertainties and critically explore how these tools can be responsibly integrated to enhance learning, teaching, and research. We’re thankful to the British Educational Research Association (BERA) for funding this work, and to Public Policy Southampton for their support.” To read the full project report from BERA, click here .

The paper is the latest in a portfolio of leading research conducted by the WSI and follows impactful initiatives such as AI@Southampton which aim to positively contribute to innovation and civic collaboration within the city of Southampton and beyond. Read the full paper here or visit the Web Science Institute to discover more about our work.