18 November 2025 - DIG25 Gwen Couch
DIG25: AI – Friend or Foe? Reflections
I recently attended the UCISA DIG25 Conference in Bristol. Thanks to the PlusOne Bursary Scheme, I was able to attend alongside my colleague.
As a Digital Skills Advisor, I’m always exploring how emerging technologies can support staff and students in practical, meaningful ways. When I saw the theme of this year’s UCISA DIG25 – AI: Friend or Foe? - I knew it would be thought-provoking and a great opportunity to dive deeper into the evolving role of AI in higher education.
It was my first time attending a UCISA conference, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I left feeling inspired and informed about ways that AI tools can be used positively, but also some of the real challenges and concerns around AI.
First Impressions
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and collaborative. The sessions were engaging and insightful, but what stood out most were the informal conversations with exhibitors and other attendees. It was great to get a chance to discuss our experiences of AI, share ideas and reflections. Everyone was approachable and open to connecting, which made it easy to learn from each other, regardless of role or level of AI expertise.
And I have to mention - the food and refreshments were excellent throughout the event, which definitely added to the positive atmosphere!
Top Takeaways
Practical Applications: Talks highlighted real-world uses of AI tools such as chatbots for support services and streamlining processes. There was an emphasis on improving productivity while maintaining the human element in interactions.
Policy and Responsibility: Discussions explored how AI can be embedded into existing policies and the need for clear frameworks. The environmental impact of generative AI was also a key topic, prompting reflection on how we can balance innovation with sustainability.
Cybersecurity: AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, both as a defence tool and a threat. It was great to hear how defenders are using AI for threat detection and automated responses. On the other hand, AI is being used by attackers for more effective phishing, deepfakes and adaptive malware. This gave me plenty to consider when offering advice to staff and students about AI-related risks and scams.
Personal Reflections
The theme ‘Friend or Foe?’ was great in terms of balancing the positive and negative impacts of AI. The rapid growth of generative AI and constant stream of new tools has often felt overwhelming. So, a chance to reflect and think about where AI use can be most effective - and when not to use it - was very welcome. I left the conference with a better understanding of the possibilities and challenges ahead, as well as some fresh ideas for helping others to navigate the changing landscape.
Advice for First-Time Attendees
If you are attending one of UCISA’s conferences for the first time, my advice is to go with curiosity and an open mind. The sessions and talks are valuable and thought-provoking but some of the best insights often come from the conversations in between. There was a great atmosphere and an environment for learning, sharing and looking to the future.Thank you to UCISA for hosting such a well-organised and insightful event!
