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Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence position statement

Student studying whilst talking to an AI assistant on a smartphone

Cardiff University recognises the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across education, research, and operations.

As a leading institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, we are dedicated to engaging with AI in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with our institutional values and strategic vision, including those articulated in our Cynefin framework.

Our commitment

We are committed to fostering a University-wide culture of responsible AI use that:

  • upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and rigour
  • promotes transparency, fairness, and accountability in all AI-related practices
  • ensures equitable access to appropriate AI tools and resources for all members of our community, both staff and students
  • encourages critical engagement with AI technologies to support learning, research, and innovation
  • embeds AI literacy and ethical awareness into our educational and professional development programmes

AI will be used to augment human capability, not replace human judgement, creativity, or academic voice.

Guiding principles

In line with the Russell Group, and reflecting best practice across the sector, Cardiff University adopts the following principles:

Ethical and responsible use
AI must be used in ways that are safe, transparent, compliant with legislative or regulatory requirements, and respectful of privacy, intellectual property, and human dignity. All AI applications should be subject to appropriate oversight and governance. This includes awareness of the environmental impacts associated with AI technologies and a commitment to sustainable use, in line with the University’s wider sustainability objectives.
Human-in-the-loop
While AI may be used to support and expand capabilities, it must not be used to replace human thinking, creativity, or responsibility. Human judgement, oversight, and feedback must remain integrated into any AI workflow, and staff and students ultimately remain accountable for their work.
AI literacy and skills development
We will support students and staff to become AI-literate, equipping them with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to use AI tools effectively, ethically, and confidently in their academic and professional lives.
Equity and inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that AI enhances, rather than hinders, access to education and opportunity. Our approach is to provide AI tools and resources in an accessible and inclusive ways that empowers all learners, particularly those from underrepresented groups and those with diverse needs. We are committed to identifying and addressing inherent AI biases which may impact equity and inclusion by recognising and mitigating the risks.
Collaboration and continuous improvement
Cardiff University will engage with sector partners, to share best practice and contribute to the evolving national and international dialogue on AI in higher education. Our policies and practices will be regularly reviewed and updated in response to technological developments and community feedback.

We recognise the important role of emerging communities of practice at Cardiff University in shaping responsible and effective use of AI.  Staff and students are encouraged to engage with these communities to share learning, raise questions, and contribute to the evolution of our institutional approach.

Student working on coding prompts next to large monitor

What this means in practice

  • AI use is expected to increase across the organisation
  • we recognise that colleagues are keen to experiment, and our ongoing Digital Transformation Programme provides established guard rails protecting the user, the institution and our wider community
  • central guidance has been worked on by separate communities such as the Learning and Teaching Academy, the Research community and others, and will continue to evolve iteratively

Moving forward

As AI technologies continue to evolve, Cardiff University will remain proactive in shaping their integration across our institution. We will continue to develop guidance, training, and governance structures that ensure AI is used to enrich learning, advance research, and improve operational effectiveness – while safeguarding the values that define our academic community. This position statement is a living instrument, and it will evolve through consultation, Proof of Concepts and the evidence from their results. Local innovation will inform our organisational position.

We invite open dialogue across our university to ensure that our approach to AI remains inclusive, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of our students, staff, and wider society.