How do we relate to AI?
Both generative and non-generative AI are developing rapidly and penetrating more and more areas of society and science. For Radboud University, this raises the question of how we relate to these developments: what do we want to achieve with AI, where can we use AI in a value-driven way, where do we consciously choose not to use AI, and what values underlie these choices? These questions affect our education, our research and our way of studying and working, and require ongoing dialogue about values, social impact and ecological impact. In doing so, we not only want to set the direction for the responsible use of AI ourselves, but also create solutions together with others. As a partner for governments, businesses and social organisations.
Education
We strive to ensure that all students and staff are AI literate: they understand the possibilities and limitations of the technology and recognise how AI can and cannot contribute to solutions for social and scientific challenges. At the same time, students learn to critically assess when AI applications conflict with academic, professional and ethical values.
Research and innovation
Value-driven AI and digitisation is one of the five research themes in which Radboud University excels and aims to strengthen its position in the coming years. This research theme connects technical innovations with insights from psychology, natural sciences, neuroscience, public administration and management sciences, ethics, and law. Through initiatives such as the ELLIS unit (AI machine learning), ICAI labs (e.g., Radboud AI for Health, AI Parkinson Lab), the EU Open Source AI index (an independent academic index promoting openness and transparency), and iHub (AI from the perspective of ethics, law, and society), we bring together fundamental and applied research in a recognizable and flexible network. With our interdisciplinary approach, we will build on our strengths over the next six years and act as a guide and critical discussion partner regarding national and international AI developments. We do this from a single, joint Radboud AI Institute, where we not only investigate what is technically possible with AI, but also how to deal with the presence of AI and when and in what way its use is justified within our values.
Societal and regional impact
AI directly impacts our region and society. We collaborate with partners in the eastern Netherlands on concrete AI solutions, for example, through the MKB Datalab-Oost (SME Data Lab East), where students support SMEs in deploying AI and data, and the AI for Energy Grids Lab with Alliander. With NOLAI (National Education Lab AI), we are developing responsible AI applications for education in collaboration with schools and EdTech companies. We are also actively developing solutions in the semiconductor industry: together with our partner ASMPT, we are investigating how micro-assembly and semiconductor production can be made more sustainable, precise, and efficient. In the coming years, we will continue to focus on contributing to economic innovation and the responsible use of technology, with an emphasis on transparency, privacy, and inclusivity. In doing so, we connect our scientific expertise to concrete questions from education, healthcare, the energy sector, and government.
Business Operations
We are also exploring how and if we can utilize AI responsibly and effectively in our business operations. This technology can help us make our processes more efficient and enhance the quality of our services and the experience of students and staff. Consider, for example, supporting manual processes or using data more intelligently for decision-making. In conjunction with our strategic workforce plan, we are exploring the demands these developments place on our people and our organization, ensuring we can respond promptly and thoughtfully. Privacy and security are always paramount, and we always consider the implications for people and the environment.
What is our ambition regarding sustainability?
Sustainability is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality are becoming increasingly visible. As a university, we take responsibility and steer our course based on our identity and values. We view sustainability not only as a subject for research and education, but also as a shared quest for progress, in which dialogue and diverse perspectives play a key role.
Broad approach
We approach sustainability broadly: it's not just about climate and the environment, but also about well-being and equal opportunities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our role is to develop and put knowledge into practice, forge connections between disciplines and stakeholders, and create space for dialogue; from our critical role as a university. In doing so, we aim to contribute to solutions, be a reliable discussion partner, and bring about concrete change together with residents, organizations, businesses, and governments, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Education
We prepare students for responsible positions in society. All students become sustainability literate. Each bachelor's program includes components that introduce students to sustainability issues and the SDGs, with opportunities for further exploration. Interdisciplinary programs connect themes such as climate, circularity, food systems, and social justice. It is essential that students learn to apply their substantive knowledge to dilemmas in science and society. This way, they become experts in dealing with diverse perspectives and in discussing and connecting diverse interests regarding sustainability.
Research and innovation
Our researchers develop knowledge and solutions for sustainability issues, in collaboration with regional, national, and international partners. Because sustainable solutions are often interdisciplinary, we encourage collaboration across faculties. We do this with a focus on responsibility, our ecological footprint, and the well-being of those involved.
Societal and regional impact
Together with partners in the region and Europe, we apply our expertise to contribute to societal challenges, such as strengthening regional ecosystems, preventive healthcare, and the energy transition. We actively seek collaboration and develop innovative forms of transdisciplinary education and research, for example, in the two-year Master's program Science for Sustainability, in which students work closely with the business community. Here, too, there is always room for dialogue about different interests and perspectives.
Campus and business operations
Our campus is the heart of our community and a visible example of our sustainability choices. We strive for a climate-neutral and circular environment and encourage sustainable use, in collaboration with supply chain partners and experts. In our operations, we make careful choices regarding buildings, energy, mobility, and procurement, with an emphasis on the well-being and vitality of the campus community. In this way, we create an environment that supports students, staff, and visitors in studying, working, and living sustainably.