Submitted by Alexandra Collett on Thu, 21/05/2026 - 11:06
More than 260 professional service, academic, research and technical colleagues came together for the launch of the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Community of Practice (COP) on Friday 15 May.
The event took place both at West Hub and online. It involved an afternoon of honest conversation, interactive actives, shared learning and new connections.
Professor Bhaskar Vira, Senior Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability, is an AI (COP) sponsor and spoke at the beginning of the event to highlight why the new Community of Practice is very much needed within the University, he said: “AI is an everyday reality and whether we know it or not, we are all using it. Here is an opportunity for all of us to learn from each other, which is really what Communities of Practice are so good at.”
Aseel Habboub, who was an attendee at the event shared their thoughts, noting it was “A great informative session. I enjoyed the engagement activity and met a lot of people interested in AI. It lifted the stigma of using AI and was great to highlight the risks and opportunities associated with its use. I really enjoyed the event and found it helpful and re-assuring.”
The event was opened by the Co-Leads of the CoP, Victoria Lee (Research Integrity and Governance Coordinator, Research Office,) Dr Anthony Harris (Fellow and Director of Studies in Computer Science, Emmanuel College) and Alberto Garcia (Librarian, Murray Edwards College.).
Co-Lead Alberto Garcia said: "I am excited to see how this community develops as colleagues from different parts of the University begin learning from one another.”
The Co-Leads also highlighted the Core Team of 26 professionals from across the Collegiate University, including UIS, ai@cam, the Blended Learning Service and the Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning, who are committed to the success of the Community.
Co-Lead Dr Anthony Harris also reflected on the event and said: “As an educator bridging both Computer Science and the Humanities, I know firsthand that AI is not just a technological shift, it is a university-wide opportunity. This new AI Community of Practice is an inclusive, collaborative space for us to connect disciplines, share knowledge, and leverage AI to inspire innovation across Cambridge.”
The AI (COP) is open to all colleagues at the University to join. Take a look at the Community of Practice SharePoint for more information (raven login required).