The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and the University of Nottingham (UoN) demonstrated their leadership in artificial intelligence and higher education at the Fourth World Digital Education Conference, one of the highest-level global forums dedicated to the future of digital education, held in Hangzhou from 11–13 May and hosted by China’s Ministry of Education.
Under the theme “AI and Education: Transformation, Development and Governance”, the conference brought together government officials, heads of education authorities, diplomatic representatives in China, delegates from international organisations, presidents of leading universities from China and abroad, experts and scholars in artificial intelligence, and representatives from major enterprises. Together, they explored pathways for AI-driven systemic transformation in education and discussed how to build an inclusive, secure and sustainable global ecosystem for digital education development.
At the conference opening plenary session, Sir Keith O’Nions, Chair of the University Council at the UoN, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building a people-centred, fair and secure educational ecosystem in partnership with China’s education community. He emphasised that universities must actively embrace and help shape the educational transformation brought about by AI.
Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC, delivered a keynote speech on the transformative role of AI in research and higher education. Drawing on more than three decades of AI research experience, he highlighted how large language models and generative AI are reshaping the global research ecosystem and becoming essential interdisciplinary tools throughout the research process.
Professor Garibaldi stressed that AI will not replace researchers or educators, but that those who are able to use AI effectively will gain significant advantages in both academia and industry. He also underlined the importance of responsible and critical engagement with generative AI technologies, noting that human judgement, academic integrity and rigorous verification remain essential.
The participation of both leaders highlighted how UNNC and UoN are not only responding to the rise of AI, but are also actively integrating it into their long-term educational vision and global strategy.
UNNC has already implemented a series of advanced AI initiatives that position the university at the forefront of AI-enabled education in China and among Sino-foreign universities. In recent years, the university has introduced AI across the entire undergraduate learning journey through four key areas:
•A dedicated UNNC AI platform providing students with secure access to leading global AI models, including ChatGPT, within a stable and compliant learning environment;
•A systematic AI literacy education framework, combining university-developed courses with international online learning resources to strengthen students’ AI competencies and professional competitiveness;
•Specialised first-year academic training delivered by the Centre for English Language Education, guiding students in the ethical and effective use of AI for academic research, writing and critical thinking;
•Deep integration of AI into disciplinary teaching, ensuring that students understand both the practical applications and future development of AI across industries and subject areas.
Through these initiatives, UNNC continues to build a forward-looking educational ecosystem that equips students with the digital literacy, interdisciplinary skills and adaptability needed for the intelligent era.
Looking ahead, UNNC and UoN will continue to deepen the integration of AI in education and research, contributing to the future development of global higher education through innovation, international collaboration and responsible leadership in artificial intelligence.
Published on 13 May 2026