AI, the Future of Work, and the Role of a University Education

Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, is rapidly transforming the workplace, from how people are hired to how they work. As these technologies reshape job roles, workflows, and required skillsets, universities face a critical question: How should higher education evolve to prepare students not just for employment, but for meaningful lives in an AI-enabled world?

As AI reshapes the economy, universities have a unique opportunity, and responsibility,to ensure that all students, regardless of background, are equipped to succeed in an AI-transformed world.

Hosted by UCL Public Policy, UCL Grand Challenges and UCL Policy Lab, this interactive event will bring together university organisations, regulators and employers to consider these important themes:

• How AI is changing recruitment, job design, and workplace expectations.
• What skills, literacies, and mindsets do students need to thrive in an AI-driven economy?
• The role of universities in fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.
• How higher education can act as a driver of social mobility in the face of technological disruption.

Attendees will be welcomed by Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), before joining our Chair, Professor Allison Littlejohn, UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (Data-Empowered Societies) and a distinguished panel including:

• Professor Lauren Andres, UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (Inequalities)

• Professor Parama Chaudhury, UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (Education – Student Academic Experience)

• Andy Grant, EMEA Director for Supercomputing and AI, Nvidia

• Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive, Universities UK (UUK)

The interactive event will use Slido for live audience questions, polls, and engagement throughout the evening.

Please note that names of attendees may be shared with our partner organisations where necessary and where the lawful basis for such a disclosure of data falls within the principle of legitimate interest. By continuing to reserve a ticket, you agree to this use of your data. Please read UCL’s general data privacy statement for more information.