Parallel Session – Responsible Science and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future Through Collaboration

Session Title: Responsible Science and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future Through Collaboration 

Date: Tuesday 3 November 

Time: 10.30-12.30 

Session Overview 

Artificial intelligence is transforming the economy, science, and society at a rapid pace. Technology universities play a critical role in ensuring that AI is developed and applied responsibly, ethically, and for the benefit of society. The following thematic streams will focus on current developments, areas of application, and forms of collaboration: 

As AI becomes increasingly embedded across disciplines and sectors, universities must consider how to balance innovation with accountability, transparency, sustainability and societal impact. They also have an important responsibility to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills required to work alongside emerging technologies. 

This session will explore how technology universities are contributing to the responsible development and application of AI through research, teaching, industry engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, explore challenges, and identify opportunities for future WTUN initiatives.

Chairs:

Professor Klaus Pantke, Vice President for Research and Transfer, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

Professor Sven Quaflieg, Vice President for University Culture and Diversity, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

Speakers:

• Dr Fauziah Binti Sh Ahmad, Head of UTM Kuala Lumpur Branch Campus, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
• Dr Chawin Chantharasenawong, Vice President for Internationalisation, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
• Professor Masaomi Kimura, Director of the International Programs Center, Shibaura Institute of Technology
• Professor Michael Affenzeller, Academic Head, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria.

Dr Fauziah Binti Sh Ahmad

AI-First Organisation: Assessing Suitability and Readiness in Higher Education Institutions.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping organizations, including the global higher education landscape, compelling many to reconsider their strategic orientation toward becoming an AI-First Organisation. This paradigm emphasizes embedding AI not as a peripheral tool but as a core driver of institutional processes, decision-making, and innovation. For universities, the transition requires more than technological adoption—it demands leadership readiness, cultural alignment, and governance structures that support ethical and sustainable integration. Leaders must assess institutional suitability by examining infrastructure, digital literacy, and policy frameworks, while simultaneously cultivating an environment that values agility, inclusivity, and human-centered innovation. Readiness is not solely technical; it is a leadership challenge involving vision-setting, stakeholder engagement, and the balancing of academic mission with financial sustainability. This session explores how higher education leaders can evaluate their institutions’ preparedness for AI-first
transformation, highlighting both opportunities and risks. By situating AI within the broader context of leadership, strategy, and values, participants will gain insights into how universities can responsibly harness AI to enhance teaching, research, student development, and societal impact.

Dr Chawin Chantharasenawong

‘Using AI tools to automate Internationalisation work’

Professor Masaomi Kimura

Professor Michael Affenzeller

Next Level Analytics: Agent-Based AI and Autonomous Systems for Industrial Decision Making.