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About the AI Competency Centre

The AI Competency Centre serves the entire University of Oxford as a hub of expertise for generative AI tools and their applications.

Who we are

The AI Competency Centre serves the entire University of Oxford as a hub of expertise for generative AI tools and their applications. Based in the Tinsley Building, our team brings together specialists with diverse backgrounds in education, research, linguistics, technology, and communications. We support staff and students who are interested in applying generative AI technology to research, teaching, learning and operations. 

We believe that AI is already embedded in academic and professional work across the University. Your staff, students, and colleagues are already using these tools. Our mission is to help ensure they're doing so in an informed, responsible way that benefits their work while addressing legitimate concerns around data security, academic integrity, and more. 

If you require AI expertise for consultation, training, or project support, a member of our team may be able to assist you.

Staff 

Head of AI Competency Centre 

  • Alwyn Collinson 

Consultants 

  • Dominik Lukes
  • Anders Reagan
  • Kelly Webb-Davies
  • Ella Wicks 

Research Software Engineers 

  • Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
  • Edward Fauchon-Jones
  • Alok Sahu 

Our mission 

We enable informed, responsible use of AI tools across the University of Oxford. 

We provide practical guidance, training, and support to help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies. We focus on helping you understand what tools are available, which might best suit your needs, and how to use them effectively and responsibly. 

What we do

  • Provide access to AI tools: We facilitate access to enterprise-grade AI tools across the University, including ChatGPT Edu and Google Gemini, with appropriate data protection agreements.
  • Deliver training: From introductory sessions to custom workshops, we help University members build confidence and skills with AI. We have also delivered similar sessions to other higher education institutions and businesses.
  • Support research: We offer OpenAI API access, guidance on methodology, and connections to research funding opportunities.
  • Connect the community: We bring together people working with AI across the University to share knowledge and build online communities.
  • Showcase success: We highlight innovative applications of AI in teaching, research, and administration throughout Oxford.
  • Offer consultancy: We provide tailored advice for departments, colleges, and individuals on specific AI applications. Our expertise has also been requested by other higher education institutions across the globe. 

What we don't do

  • Create University policy: We don’t set rules about how AI is used, but we do offer expert advice in University discussions about AI policy and governance. We aim to help users understand existing frameworks and signpost them to relevant policies, training and guidance. The University’s cross-divisional AI Governance Group is responsible for overseeing responsible deployment of GenAI at Oxford, ensuring alignment with University policy and strategic priorities.
  • Endorse specific commercial products: We provide objective information about various AI tools rather than promoting particular vendors.
  • Replace human expertise: We help support the use of AI as a complement to, not a replacement for, human judgement and creativity.
  • Serve as IT support: While we help with some technical issues relating to use of GenAI tools at Oxford, general IT support is the responsibility of local IT teams and central IT Services. 

Get in touch

For enquiries about advice and consultancy, contact the AI Competency Centre at [email protected] 

Please note, any media invitations should be directed to the University’s press office. 

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