OAVP-RCWI hosted conversations to explore cross-disciplinary AI research

On 14 January 2026, the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Research, Creative Work, and Innovation (OAVP-RCWI) assembled an afternoon forum titled Conversations to Explore Cross-Disciplinary AI Research, gathering colleagues from various schools in Higher Education for an open and timely discussion on artificial intelligence. 

The event opened with a reflection by Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education, who spoke about how technology shapes daily life. “AI is upon us, below us, above us—everywhere,” she said, setting the tone for the afternoon’s discussions on AI’s wide-reaching impact across disciplines. 

Dr Vilches also shared details about an upcoming major initiative—the inaugural symposium of the Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities (GRAJU), which will take place at Ateneo de Manila University on 9–12 March 2026. The event will focus on the theme The AI Frontier and the Distinctives of Global Jesuit Higher Education. 

Following the opening remarks, participants formed discussion groups to exchange insights, experiences, and emerging questions related to AI in their respective fields. The conversations covered a wide range of concerns and opportunities, including the implications of AI for public school teachers, tensions between creativity and credibility, the use of AI in elections, and ongoing concerns about the digital divide. 

The event showed the value of bringing together different disciplines to better understand AI. Through open discussion and shared learning, it created a space for collaboration and reflection, helping guide future research and conversations on AI within the University and beyond.