AI Taskforce
Since the launch of ChatGPT (30 Nov 2022), the use of GenAI (Generative AI) has accelerated. While AI has been applied and developed at WUR for much longer, with GenAI, we have entered a new phase that, on the one hand, touches on the fundamentals of scientific education, research and value creation and, on the other hand, offers unprecedented opportunities to increase scientific capacity and increase impact.
In other words; GenAI offers opportunities, but also has risks. In order to find the right balance and to use GenAI in a scientifically responsible manner at WUR, we are working on 'Terms of reference', both for WU and WR, as well as for Value Creation and WUR's business operations.
To have some form of coordination on this balancing act, Arthur Mol took the initiative to establish the AI Taskforce and asked them to come up with a first set of rules and guidelines and to connect all working groups that have started to find out how to deal with (Gen)AI at WUR. The members of the AI Taskforce are: Jolanda Soeting (Education); Lisanne Kok (Legal); Ingrid Spruit and Freek Geutjes (Communication); Alexander van Ittersum (IT) and Jene van der Heide (Research).
A first general introductory statement on this was published online. It is good to read this carefully again and absorb it: “We encourage lecturers, researchers, PhD/EngD candidates, students (including professional learners) and support staff at WUR to use generative AI (GenAI) methods responsibly. This means using GenAI legally, ethically, and in a transparent manner. GenAI methods should enhance the quality of our work, while protecting privacy, boosting creativity, and supporting learning. To facilitate this, WUR provided information for students on responsible use of (generative) AI tools while information for lecturers, researchers, PhD/EngD candidates and support staff is available at a joint intranet page.
GenAI methods that support high-cognitive tasks such as data analysis, data visualisation, computer programming, graphic design and generation of scientific figures are now increasingly becoming available. Particularly those that produce and analyse text based on large language models can be powerful multipurpose tools (like getting help with an administrative part of our job, thinking out of the box or answering a question on a (new) subject matter). In this sense, GenAI methods offer exciting new possibilities for research and education at WUR.
As generative AI has rapidly developed, we do not yet have a final vision yet or answer on how it will affect our education and research activities. We will further develop a vision in a continuous dialogue with WUR staff and students and in alignment with the other Dutch universities."