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Greek Roundtable Sparks Dialogue on Ethical AI in Higher Education

A landmark hybrid roundtable discussion on the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in academia was held at the University of Patras, co-organized with European Profiles S.A., as part of the EMPOWER AI Erasmus+ project. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—academics, researchers, university leaders, private sector professionals, NGO representatives, consultants, and local government officials—to deliberate on the draft "Ethical Guidelines for the Use of AI in Academia."

The session focused on gathering practical and philosophical feedback on the guidelines, with an emphasis on tools like ChatGPT and their growing role in university education. Guided by ten critical questions, participants explored AI’s impact across philosophical, pedagogical, legal, and institutional domains.

Key Highlights:

  • Revisiting the University’s Mission: Participants urged institutions to reflect on their fundamental purpose—be it intellectual development or innovation—before adopting AI policies.
  • Policy Alignment with EU Standards: Experts recommended aligning the guidelines with the European AI Act, particularly its risk-based classification system, to improve clarity and regulatory coherence.
  • AI in the Classroom: Concerns were raised about AI undermining critical thinking among students. Proposals included integrating AI literacy into early curricula and using oral exams and group work to maintain student agency.
  • Institutional Strategy and Innovation: Universities were encouraged to consider AI not only in pedagogy but also in research commercialization, especially through spin-offs. Dual-use risks and governance responsibilities were emphasized.
  • Mental Health and Ethics Education: The psychological impacts of AI use were spotlighted, with calls for formative, dialogue-based ethics education rather than top-down compliance.

The event concluded with a clear consensus: ethical AI in higher education cannot be governed by a one-size-fits-all framework. The guidelines must be adaptable to institutional missions, disciplinary needs, and student maturity levels. Feedback from the Patras roundtable will be instrumental in refining the EMPOWER AI guidelines for broader European adoption.