NCL in Action 2024/25: An exciting year ahead

Following our successful launch last month, we’re excited to continue to deep dive into how AI and future technologies could transform our lives through a series of upcoming events and opportunities.  

Launch day   

The launch of our NCL in Action 2024/25 programme ‘Exploring AIs impact on our world’ featured global events across our 3 campuses, with over 200 attendees united across Newcastle, Singapore, and Malaysia.   

Each event highlighted AI's transformative impact, from industry debates and workshops in Newcastle to exploring AI's role in healthcare, business, and environmental solutions in Singapore and Malaysia. Participants engaged in sessions with alumni experts and industry leaders, including representatives from PwC and Womble Bond Dickinson, who shared research and insights on current debates surrounding modern technology and AI in the workplace.  

What is coming up in 2025?  

The next phase of our programme promises an exciting lineup of opportunities to explore cutting-edge AI developments, connect with fellow alumni, and build valuable skills.  

Learn about cutting-edge research 

Newcastle University researchers are leading AI innovation, with groundbreaking projects across diverse fields. Recent work includes developing AI-powered systems for early detection of bowel cancer, revolutionising ADHD diagnosis, leading a national hub for AI in electronics design, and using AI to help decarbonise the maritime sector. Check out our latest research news.   

Expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills  

We are hosting a series of free virtual workshops as part of our NCL Discover and NCL Develop series throughout the year. 

Discover workshops offer you the opportunity to learn about the latest AI research at Newcastle University directly from our researchers, while also hearing from fellow alumni and industry experts who provide practical advice on maximising AI in everyday life. While Develop workshops are designed to help you advance your career in the AI era by exploring how AI is transforming the job application process and introducing tools to enhance your productivity. Some events include:  

Discover 

• Online Security in 2024 (Thursday 28 November 2024), we will be joined by Debra Cairns, who will discuss various types of cyber-attacks and levels of risk. This workshop provides practical insights into cyber security, covering essential actions for data protection, device security, and secure password practices. 

• The future of AI is on the Edge (Thursday 27 February 2025), we will be joined by Dr Varun Ojha who will discuss AI's role in critical areas like healthcare and finance, highlighting security challenges in edge applications like smartphones. Participants will learn about AI vulnerabilities and how Edge AI safeguards data integrity and reliability in everyday tech. 

• AI in the Classroom (Thursday 23 January 2025), we will be joined by Tiago Sousa Garcia who will explore how the Creativity Engine uses AI to help young writers overcome writer’s block. Tiago will discuss the tool’s development, its impact on creative writing, and the broader implications of AI in education.  

Develop 

• Supercharge your productivity with AI tools (Friday 15 November 2024), we will be joined by Steven Brewer who will discuss how AI can boost productivity by streamlining tasks, automating workflows, and enhancing content creation.  

• Artificial Intelligence and Skills for the Future of Work (Monday 25 November 2024), Dr Matthew Forshaw will discuss the impact of AI on the future of work and collaborate with participants to enhance their understanding of the skills required for the future of work.  

• Leveraging the Power of AI for Start-Ups (Wednesdays, 12, 19, and 26 February 2025), join Dr Yulia Dzenkovska for a three-part series on using AI to enhance start-up operations. Topics include streamlining tasks to save time and money (12 Feb), creating digital assets (19 Feb), and automating customer support (26 Feb) to boost efficiency and improve customer experience.