Bringing the University Together: Teaching & Research Workshop on Data Science and AI

Bringing the University Together: Reflections on the Data Science and AI Teaching & Research Workshop (30 May 2025)

On 30 May 2025, the University of Pretoria hosted a dynamic internal workshop focused on strengthening our teaching, research, and collaboration around Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event brought together academic staff, researchers, support staff, students, and partners from across the university, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines, interests, and activities.

Jointly convened by the MITC Big Data Science Program, the Data Science for Social Impact (DSFSI) Research Group, and the newly established African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI), the workshop provided a valuable platform for exchange, reflection, and forward planning. We are grateful to the ABSA Chair of Data Science for generously supporting the logistics that enabled this important convening.

A University-Wide Conversation on AI and Data Science

The day’s conversations showcased the breadth and depth of work already happening at UP that intersects with AI and Data Science. Faculty members shared updates on current research and teaching activities — from AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, to research on African languages, ethics, and policy dimensions of AI.

The workshop demonstrated clearly that AI is no longer the domain of just one faculty or discipline. Rather, it is emerging as a cross-cutting theme that touches nearly every area of research and practice at the university. The collaborative energy in the room reflected a growing recognition that UP is well positioned to contribute to African-led solutions in data-driven research and innovation.

Key Themes That Emerged

Across the sessions, several shared priorities emerged that will help shape next steps:

• Teaching and Curriculum Development: Many participants expressed interest in introducing or expanding AI and Data Science modules in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, often through interdisciplinary course offerings.

• Research Collaboration Across Faculties: The diversity of ongoing research highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration between technical and domain experts, as well as the need to support early career researchers and students entering these fields.

• Infrastructure and Coordination: Participants called for better coordination of data infrastructure, compute resources, and research support to enable scaling up both teaching and research activities.

• Positioning UP for Continental Leadership: As conversations about AI intensify globally, there was strong alignment on the importance of ensuring that UP’s expertise contributes meaningfully to broader African priorities, including local languages, ethical AI development, and sectoral challenges.

A Step Towards Stronger Internal Alignment

While much is already happening across the university, the workshop underscored the value of intentional coordination to amplify our collective efforts. AfriDSAI, DSFSI, and the MITC Big Data Science Program are committed to providing platforms for ongoing exchange, collaborative projects, and targeted support for staff and students interested in advancing their work in AI and Data Science.

This is not just a technical agenda — it’s a strategic opportunity for the university to strengthen its position as a leading African institution in data-driven research, innovation, and capacity building.

An Open Invitation to Participate

We invite all staff, students, and departments across the university who are engaged in — or interested in — Data Science and AI to stay involved. Whether you are working on research, teaching, infrastructure, or administration, there are many ways to contribute to building a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful AI ecosystem at UP.

For more information or to explore collaboration, please contact us at: afridsai.info@up.ac.za