Getting aboard the Gen-AI journey

12 Aug 2025

Generative AI (Gen-AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini are rapidly transforming how we work, learn and communicate. At the University of Manchester, adoption is growing but as we embrace these technologies, it’s vital to consider both the potential and pitfalls.

Here are some of the ways colleagues and students are beginning to use Gen-AI across the University:

Teaching and Learning

Quickly generate lecture notes, quizzes, case studies, and learning materials tailored to different levels.
Convert materials into different formats (e.g. summaries, audio scripts or simplified versions) to support diverse learning needs.

Research

Summarise academic papers, extract key findings, and suggest related research.
Assist with coding, statistical modelling, and visualisation of research data.

Administrative tasks

Automate routine communications like meeting invites, reminders, and follow-ups.
Condense lengthy documents into digestible summaries for staff and students.

Communications

Tailor messages for different stakeholders using tone and style adjustments.
Translate content for international audiences.

So… what’s the catch?

Gen-AI models demand vast computational resources, contributing to carbon emissions and water usage. Ethical questions around academic integrity, data privacy and misinformation also persist. Some colleagues worry that over-reliance on Gen-AI could discourage critical thinking or lead to inconsistent messaging.

As we move forward, the University is committed to responsible innovation. This means encouraging experimentation while promoting sustainability and transparency. Staff are urged to choose energy-efficient platforms, avoid unnecessary usage, and engage in open conversations about ethical tech adoption.

Ultimately, most people agree that Gen-AI is here to stay. By understanding its strengths and limitations, we can harness its power to support the University without compromising our values.