UWA’s Generative Artificial Intelligence Think Tank
What we do
The Generative Artificial Intelligence University Expert Advisory Panel (UWA GenAI Think Tank) was created in 2024 by UWA’s Academic Board and Council to offer strategic advice to the University Executive on the risks and opportunities that GenAI presents for our teaching, research and operations.
The high-level guidance, recommendations and solutions provided by the GenAI Think Tank allow the University to effectively navigate the complex challenges and issues presented by GenAI, while working towards achieving our long-term goals.
Since its formation, the GenAI Think Tank has produced strategic advice on a range of issues, including:
- Data sensitivity and its role in the selection of safe GenAI tools.
- The pros and cons of bringing local GenAI platforms (like those in people's devices) into UWA's environment.
- Educating academic and professional staff to manage the risk of accidental data leakage.
in 2025, the GenAI Think Tank will also participate in regular expert panels and symposia on the use of GenAI at UWA.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to a subset of AI that focuses on generating content, such as text, images, music and other media, by learning patterns from existing data. Using algorithms (step-by-step instructions designed to solve a problem or complete a task), it produces outputs, enabling applications in fields ranging from art and entertainment to virtual reality and data synthesis.
While the early years of publicly available GenAI (2022-2024) involved ‘manual’ uses (where humans prompt GenAI to produce an output of some kind), from 2025 these are likely to be supplemented by ‘automated’ uses where humans assign agents to undertake complex tasks on our behalf, working across a range of software and applications.
As the use of GenAI to undertake tasks on our behalf grows, so will the influence of AI-generated content on our lives. Understanding how we adapt to these influences requires disciplinary breadth and diversity of thought.
UWA’s core AI values
Collaborative responsibility: Education and literacy around AI tools are essential to maximise critical thinking and creativity.
Data-informed and human-driven agility: We must respond quickly to new opportunities, but appropriate risk-based decision-making relies on data, human expertise, and context.
Sustainable innovation: AI tools can enhance the University's capability, but innovations must be sustainable for individuals and communities.
Members
The GenAI Think Tank includes academic and professional staff representing diverse areas of expertise across the University. The Chair of the GenAI Think Tank is Professor Zach Aman.
Jill Benn
Director, University Transformation and Improvement
Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations
Scott Nicholls
Associate University Librarian (Research & Collections)
Library Research and Collections