Durham shares its approach to AI transformation at Coimbra Group seminar

Professor Sam Nolan, Director of the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), was joined by Professor Tony Fawcett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education); Stuart Hunt, Director of University Library and Collections, University Librarian and Chair of the Coimbra Group Heritage Working Group; and Professor Danny Donoghue, Emeritus Professor and member of the Coimbra Group Executive Board.

The seminar, Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI: Perspectives from Students and Educators, brought together university leaders, educators and students from across Europe to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education.

Professor Nolan shared Durham’s experience of moving beyond an initial policy-led response to generative AI towards a more strategic, university-wide approach. His presentation, From Policy Response to Strategic Engagement: Leading Durham University through Technological, Sociological and Pedagogic Change in the Age of Generative AI, highlighted three interconnected areas of work.

Part of this strategic approach includes the Durham–Microsoft AI Skills Centre of Excellence, the first partnership of its kind in the UK. The centre was launched in autumn 2026 to develop AI capabilities across the University and wider region. Further initiatives include the Common Code Community Forum on Education, which brings staff and students into dialogue about the use of AI; and Durham Centre for Academic Development’s work supporting colleagues and students through professional development, AI literacy and evolving approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. 

A key message of the seminar was that universities must balance technological innovation with inclusion, academic values and the importance of academic judgement.

Putting students at the heart of the AI conversation

The seminar placed particular emphasis on student perspectives. As AI reshapes the world of work, students need not only the skills to use emerging technologies, but also the critical understanding to question and apply them responsibly. At Durham, staff and students are working together to develop an approach to AI in education that is both critical and skills-focused, preparing graduates for careers that are still taking shape.

Durham’s active contribution to the Coimbra Group

Durham’s participation reflects our wider commitment to shaping the Coimbra Group’s strategic priorities and activities. The Coimbra Group is a network of 42 long-established European universities, bringing together institutions from across the continent to strengthen international collaboration, share expertise and address shared challenges in higher education and research.

We have played a leading role in developing the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability, which sets out shared principles for strengthening the contribution of universities to climate action. Developed following a Durham-hosted symposium, the Declaration is now moving into its implementation phase, with Durham continuing to work with Coimbra Group partners to translate its commitments into practical action across the network.

This work is supported by strong Durham representation within the Group’s leadership. The University’s Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, sits on the Group’s Rectors’ Advisory Group, while Professor Danny Donoghue contributes through his membership of the Executive Board and as Chair of the newly established Durham Declaration Implementation Steering Group.

Stuart Hunt’s recent election as Chair of the Coimbra Group Heritage Working Group further strengthens Durham’s contribution.

Find out more

Learn more about Durham's Coimbra Group engagement and the launch of the Durham Declaration on tackling climate change. 

Read about our Vice-Chancellor joining the Coimbra Group Rectors’ Advisory Group. 

Discover more about Durham's Partnership with Microsoft to support AI skills.