The AI@EUR program has launched at Erasmus University Rotterdam. This is a major step in further developing and using responsible, innovative AI university-wide.
AI is already reshaping research, education, and university operations. AI@EUR brings together AI initiatives across the university to help us navigate the opportunities and challenges they introduce, while staying true to our academic standards and societal mission.
Our rector, Jantine Schuit, opened the event by highlighting the many AI initiatives at our organization, while also stressing the urgency of the AI@EUR program and defining this as a movement that requires collaboration:
“If we want AI implementation to succeed truly, we need more than isolated pioneering initiatives. We need a shared direction. A university-wide effort. One that reaches our staff, students, and even our partners. This is not a challenge for a few. It is a task for us all.”
Key Takeaways from the kickoff:
- The important role we have in the AI domain as a social sciences, humanities, and medical university was emphasized. We also discussed how to move fast while remaining responsible; balancing innovation, academic rigor, and societal responsibility (Otto Koppius, Alexia Athanasopoulou, Ph.D.)
- The AI Fellows program helps our educators experiment with new ways of using AI in teaching and learning, while sharing best practices (Milan Vidaković)
- A shared prompt library, to which everyone can contribute, is being developed to support our teaching, research, and support staff. (Jonathan Flores)
- Teams are experimenting with AI tools to support lecturers in grading and providing feedback, while safeguarding educational quality and academic standards. (Shen Liu)
- A generative AI online course helps EUR staff build practical knowledge and confidence in using AI effectively and responsibly in their daily work (Jesse Millek)
- Our platform Desidera offers EUR staff access to secure and trusted AI tools, enabling experimentation within clear technical, legal, and ethical boundaries (Wout van Wijngaarden).
- An AI literacy test helps address differences in literacy, concerns, and support needed across the organization (Georgiana Carp)
- A dedicated AI compliance process is being developed to support responsible, secure, and transparent AI across the university and to help teams navigate regulatory and ethical requirements (Michiel van der Donck).
- Through the Sociaal AI Lab Rotterdam, we aim to foster responsible AI beyond our own walls. Researchers and citizens work together to co-create inclusive and responsible AI, while strengthening collaboration with other educational institutions (Gabriele Jacobs).
Thank you for attending. AI@EUR is not a single program, but a collective effort. We invite colleagues across schools and professional domains to actively contribute to shaping responsible AI at EUR. If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Abel or Jason Pridmore via email at ai@eur.nl.
