Putting AI into action, with Professor Judy Williams

Digifest: bold ideas, ‘brilliant failures’ and the future of education

Digifest is always a brilliant opportunity to reflect, challenge and connect. The conversations at Digifest aren’t just about new technologies. They’re about the kind of education we want to offer in the future.

Taking part in the keynote panel this year, what stood out for me was the shared recognition that technology is not the end goal, it’s the enabler. The first day keynote on ‘brilliant failures’ particularly resonated with me. It was a powerful reminder that innovation requires risk-taking, iteration and learning from setbacks, which are values that have shaped how we’re approaching AI at Queen’s.

Learning to lead with AI

As one of the 24 digital transformation pilot institutions working with Jisc to test and inform the framework and maturity model, the experience at Queen’s has been transformative.

We’ve moved beyond just worrying about AI. Instead, we are embedding it into flexible learning pathways by designing it as both a tool for learning and a topic of critical inquiry, while enhancing our employability offer across the curriculum.

In fact, AI is a key part of our Strategy 2030 and our ambition to be a global institute of educational excellence. What we didn’t anticipate at the start, was just how pivotal student involvement would be. By integrating students as partners in our digital transformation teams, we’ve unlocked deeper, richer conversations.

Students view AI through a completely different lens. Understanding their perspective has helped us tackle some of the trickiest questions in this space. As the HEPI report shows, most students are already using AI. We need to be there with them – ensuring it is used ethically and in ways that truly enhance learning, not replace it. Just as we once navigated how to integrate the internet into education, we’ll soon think of AI in the same way – as something we guide and support, not forbid.

AI = Assistive. Inclusive.

At Queen’s, students and staff are already using AI day-to-day to improve their practice. It's not replacing anyone - it's enhancing what we already do well.

Personally, as a severely dyslexic academic, and parent of two dyslexic children, AI has been life-changing. It removes many of the barriers I’ve had to navigate throughout my academic life. For many in our community, AI is proving to be the next evolution in assistive technology.

Tools like Google Notebook LM are helping students convert reading into audio, and our new Assessment Support Hub, alongside AI assessment self-help guides, is making it easier for both our students and teaching staff to navigate complex questions around assessment.

Through a dedicated chatbot interface, staff can query guidance tailored to their specific teaching context, helping ensure consistent, informed and inclusive use of AI in assessment design and delivery.

Bringing new skills and approaches to employers

Our approach to AI is also reshaping graduate futures. Through close collaboration with employers across Northern Ireland and beyond, we are exploring the digital and AI skills that industry needs now and in the future, and embedding those into our curriculum.

This means that Queen’s graduates aren’t just job ready – many are entering the workforce and transforming it. Employers tell us that our students are shifting organisational thinking, streamlining processes and unlocking new approaches through AI.

And this reaches beyond STEM. The creative sector is one of the current hot spots where AI is intersecting in powerful ways: from digital storytelling and design to content creation and immersive experiences.

Employers are actively seeking arts and humanities graduates who can bring critical thinking, ethical awareness, and creative insight to this space, and combine this with digital and AI fluency to help shape what innovation looks like.

How Queen’s University Belfast uses AI

AI can’t replace learning and nor should it. Learning is a journey of challenge, failure and recovery – avoiding that process risks undermining creativity, critical thinking and resilience.

But AI can reduce admin workload, streamline feedback and enhance accessibility, freeing us up to focus on what matters most.

Our Feedback Finesse tool is a great example. It’s a bespoke AI model trained on our internal marking criteria and rubrics. Academics input their specific criteria and important feedback bullet points, and the model generates tailored, student-friendly feedback and feedforward. In pilot studies, students consistently preferred this to traditional feedback, saying it was clearer, more actionable and more engaging.

Even more importantly, this tool is increasing student engagement and driving success. Students are reading, reflecting on and acting on their feedback more meaningfully than before, helping to close the loop between assessment and learning.

We’re also using AI to create chatbots for library resources and course content, to automate routine admin and help students personalise learning materials.

Why HE has to lead the AI revolution

Higher education has always been at the forefront of innovation. But with AI, we must lead not just in technology but in purpose.

That means starting with the “why”. Why are we using this tool? What is it solving? How does it improve education?

At Queen’s, we see AI as an opportunity to scale equity, inclusion and excellence. Not to do less but to do more, and to do it better. We’re embracing this moment not just with caution, but with vision.

Because if we get this right, AI won’t just transform education – it will transform lives.

Get involved with our digital transformation in higher education working group and register your interest in Digifest 2026 to receive regular updates on the event's themes, community events and keynote speakers.

Further information

• Read how to approach digital transformation in higher education: report and case studies for the findings from our digital transformation research pilot
• Watch a YouTube video about AI strategy at Queen’s University Belfast
• Find out how Queen’s University Belfast is embracing AI
• Listen to our podcast about AI, innovation, and the future of learning at Queen’s University Belfast