Lingnan Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series: AI for Education and Research Workshop

23 Jun 2025

On 20 June 2025, the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) and the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) at Lingnan University proudly hosted the inaugural Lingnan Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series Workshop, centered on "AI for Education and Research". The workshop highlighted two distinguished speakers, Dr José Bowen and Dr Edward Watson, who examined the crucial role of artificial intelligence in transforming academic practices and enhancing the educational landscape.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks by Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning of Lingnan University. Prof Yao warmly welcomed the participants and emphasised the University's strong commitment to providing high-quality education, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence. He also highlighted Lingnan’s ranking as the first for Quality Education in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which is the first time a Hong Kong higher education institution has reached the top position globally in any SDG category of the United Nations, enhancing Hong Kong’s drive to be an international higher education hub.

Dr José Bowen, a respected educator and musician, and Dr Edward Watson, Vice President for Digital Innovation at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), captured the audience's attention with their insights into the integration of technology in education. Drawing from their extensive experience in transformative pedagogical practices, they discussed how leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Their rich dialogue provided participants with valuable insights on using AI for effective course development and lesson planning, effectively bridging the gap between technology and educational practice.

The workshop successfully attracted around 100 participants, underscoring the increasing relevance of AI in education and research. Participants engaged in interactive sessions that delved into the benefits of AI in research, strategies for utilising AI tools for educational purposes, addressing academic integrity issues in exams, and crafting precise prompts for effective communication.

Funded by the Lingnan Foundation, the Lingnan Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series invites leading global scholars to share their groundbreaking research with faculty members, students of Lingnan University, and the wider local community.