| 15:00 |
Arrival and welcome Participants gather, register and take refreshments. techUK will open the session with a short introduction on the current state of AI use across the sector, drawing on HEPI’s latest findings. This will cover student behaviour, employer expectations and early signals from government and regulators, setting the context for the conversations ahead. |
| 15:15 |
Conversation one: understanding the AI moment This opening conversation brings together contributors who can speak to the ways AI is already shaping higher education. It considers how student use of generative AI is influencing learning, how employers are adjusting their expectations for graduates, and how developments in schools and workplace learning are creating new pressures. |
| 15:45 |
Conversation two: foundations for AI readiness This session brings together practical insights from sector practice and technical expertise. Snowflake will outline how modern data platforms can support responsible and scalable use of AI, followed by reflections from University leaders on their experience applying AI. Contributions from higher education leaders will explore the implications for data strategy, secure systems, interoperability and digital maturity. The session considers the gap between current structures and the conditions required for widespread and trustworthy use of AI, along with the steps institutions can take to prepare with care. |
| 16:15 | Short break |
| 16:25 |
Conversation three: leadership and culture The final discussion focuses on the people dimension of AI adoption, which HEPI’s recent report identifies as essential for sustainable change. Contributors explore how shared narratives, trust and collaboration influence progress, and why culture often shapes outcomes more than technology. Topics include decision making across academic, technical and professional teams, concerns that AI may be associated with surveillance or cost cutting, and approaches to governance that support innovation without undermining assurance. The session highlights the need for leadership, communication and institutional values that reinforce educational purpose. |
| 17:05 |
Closing reflections A short collective reflection on key insights and shared priorities for the months ahead, followed by thanks to speakers and participants. |
| 17:20 |
Informal networking Time for final conversations before departure. |
Please note that the event date has changed from 2 December to 20 January 2026.
The Higher Education Policy Institute’s earlier report on The Future of the Campus University explored how AI is shifting the role of universities, moving them from delivering content to curating programmes that support professional, vocational and personal development. HEPI’s newer collection, AI and the Future of Universities, published in October 2025 in partnership with the University of Southampton, strengthens this picture. It sets out why AI should be treated as a present reality rather than a distant prospect, calls for AI literacy across staff and students, and highlights the need to rethink assessment, pedagogy, operations and governance as automated tools become embedded in everyday systems.
Alongside this, studies suggest that many students already use generative AI in assessed work, raising questions about academic integrity, learning outcomes and the wider purpose of a university education. Government focus on AI skills adds further pressure, as institutions work to prepare graduates for an employment market shaped by automation and data rich environments.
To help the sector navigate these shifts, techUK will bring together colleagues from higher education, policy and technology for an afternoon session at Snowflake’s London HQ. The programme will consider how institutions can respond with clarity and confidence while maintaining educational standards and public trust.
Agenda
Austin Earl
Austin Earl
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
Education and EdTech Programme activities
techUK’s Education and EdTech programme seeks to address this challenges by bridging the gap between education, the tech industry, and policymakers. We ensure that education institutions can effectively adopt technology that enhances learning, streamlines operations, and supports skills development. Visit the programme page here
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Meet the team
Austin Earl
Austin Earl
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/