Our January collection of articles and announcements to share this month.
Education
Generation AI: fears of ‘social divide’ unless all children learn computing skills
As children grow up surrounded by AI, experts warn that failing to teach computing and AI literacy could deepen social inequality. This piece argues that understanding how AI works should be as fundamental as reading and writing, rather than a niche skill.
The University of Manchester has become the first university globally to give all students and staff access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, backed by training on responsible use. The move aims to build future-ready digital skills while helping tackle emerging inequalities in access to AI tools.
Research
Do we really need big data centers for AI?
EPFL researchers say no, unveiling software that allows organisations run powerful AI models locally, without sending data to the cloud. By pooling local machines into a secure on-site cluster, it enables private, lower-energy AI use without sacrificing accuracy.
Government
Education Secretary speech at Bett UK Conference
In her Bett 2026 speech, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson set out a strong vision for AI in education, alongside a £23m investment to expand the EdTech Testbeds programme. The focus is on evidence-based tools that support teachers, inclusion and pupil wellbeing rather than replacing human expertise.
The government has expanded its AI Skills Boost programme so every adult can access free training via the AI Skills Hub, with a goal of upskilling 10 million workers by 2030. Courses are benchmarked against Skills England standards and come with a virtual badge, useful for those who want a clear, recognised baseline in practical workplace AI.
Principles of AI use in marking
This report from Ofqual report outlines core considerations for responsibly integrating AI into the marking process, prioritising fairness, assessment validity, and public confidence. It sets out frameworks for evaluation rather than prescribing specific tools.
Academic Integrity
After being falsely branded an AI plagiarist, how can I accuse students?
This first-person piece recounts how an academic paper was rejected for being “too fluent” and therefore allegedly AI-written. The author uses their experience to challenge the reliability of AI detection tools and to rethink how universities assess student work in the growing AI world.
Environment
Despite its steep environmental costs, AI might also help save the planet
This article takes a balanced look at AI and the climate, showing how the same technology driving up energy demand can also help tackle it. Practical case studies demonstrate how AI is being deployed to save water, optimise energy use and reduce carbon emissions.
Perceptions of AI
Human skills will matter more than ever in the age of AI
McKinsey’s analysis shows that AI is reshaping tasks rather than eliminating roles. As routine work is automated, demand grows for human skills like problem-solving and relationship-building. The article highlights why organisations need to rethink workflows, not just adopt new tools.
World ‘may not have time’ to prepare for AI safety risks, says leading researcher
According to new warnings from the AI safety expert David Dalrymple, advanced AI could soon automate most high-value work better and cheaper than humans. He argues that economic pressure is pushing deployment faster than safety research can keep up, raising serious risks for infrastructure, security and society.
Vendor news
Gemini introduces Personal Intelligence
Google has announced Personal Intelligence for Gemini, a new feature that lets users connect apps like Gmail and Google Photos to get more personalised, context-aware help. The focus is on convenience and relevance, with privacy controls built in and turned off by default.
ChatGPT Health is a new, privacy-focused health experience that lets users securely connect medical records and wellness apps to get more personalised, contextual support. Built with extensive input from physicians, it’s positioned as a tool for understanding trends and preparing for care, not diagnosing conditions.
To power its expanding AI operations, Meta is investing heavily in nuclear energy, extending the life of existing plants and backing next-generation reactor technologies. The move highlights the tight link between AI innovation, energy policy, and long-term sustainability planning.
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
For regular updates from the team sign up to our mailing list.
Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk