University Organizes “Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Academic Sector” Forum
His Excellency, President of King Khalid University, Prof. Faleh bin Raja Allah Al-Solami, recently presided over the Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Academic Sector forum. The event, supervised by the University Vice Presidency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, was organized in collaboration with the College of Science, the College of Computer Science, and the Artificial Intelligence Center. Hosted at the Convention and Exhibition Center in the university city of Al-Fara’a, the forum underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and scientific research.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Prof. Al-Solami emphasized the paramount importance of AI in elevating educational quality and fostering scientific advancements. Acknowledging the remarkable global progress in AI, he announced the university's commitment to enhancing the educational environment by introducing a foundational AI subject for all students. This initiative aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to align with contemporary technological developments, responding to the increasing demand for AI experts in the job market.
Prof. Al-Solami expressed his aspirations to develop collaborative educational programs across various disciplines, fostering cooperation and interaction among students while expanding the horizons of scientific research in AI. Grateful for the efforts of those involved in organizing the forum, he highlighted their contribution to enriching intellectual and scientific discussions in the field.
The president, accompanied by university employees, toured the exhibition showcasing 85 scientific posters presented by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students. The diverse discussions within the exhibition covered the applications of AI in biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Dr. Miteb bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, the Dean of the College of Science, provided insights into the topics presented, emphasizing the future applications of AI in different scientific disciplines.
The forum featured scientific seminars, dialogue sessions, and a specialized training course, providing a platform to explore the latest developments in AI and its applications. Topics ranged from "The Artificial Intelligence Revolution" and "The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence" to "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Education."
The recommendations stemming from the forum focused on principles enhancing education and training in AI. These included developing competencies through specialized programs, integrating AI courses into the curriculum, and updating curricula to align with modern developments. Additionally, the recommendations emphasized knowledge integration between colleges and competent authorities, supporting researchers, expanding cooperation with research agencies and companies, establishing a research chair for applied sciences and AI, and promoting national and international collaboration.
The active participation of over 2,000 beneficiaries, including researchers, faculty members, and students, underscored the success of the forum. Through lectures, dialogue sessions, and the training course, attendees expanded their awareness and developed skills in the field of AI. King Khalid University's commitment to advancing knowledge and skills in AI solidifies its position as a leading educational institution and distinguished research center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
