AI Strategy
Purpose
The purpose of AI Strategy is for Reykjavik University (RU) to approach advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the same integrity as other aspects of its operations, pursuing opportunities with ambition, placing humans in the centre and basing its use on responsibility.
AI is changing the way we approach the creation and dissemination of knowledge, and thus how the University prepares society for the future. RU meets these changes with foresight and critical thinking, as technology supports people but does not replace human judgment.
Scope
The AI Strategy applies to all of Reykjavik University's operations and activities: in learning and teaching, research and innovation, and in management and operations. It applies to students and all staff across all departments and units. AI refers, in particular, to generative AI and systems that carry out tasks independently.
The strategy is based on the RU Strategy until 2030 and implements the University's focus on utilising advances in technology and AI in a responsible manner.
The University's existing strategies, policies, rules and guidelines remain in force. This strategy does not replace them but sets a common framework for the use of AI and may call for revisions to individual documents. The use of AI within the University is also subject to applicable laws and regulations, including data protection.
Basis
The basis of the strategy is threefold: value creation, human in the centre and responsible use. The three elements go hand in hand and balance one another.
Value creation
RU uses AI to create value for the University, industry, and society. AI supports knowledge creation and research, the quality of teaching and learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the University. RU is at the forefront of the responsible use of AI and shares its knowledge and experience in this field as in others, both within the University and in public discourse.
Human Centredness
People come first when AI is used in the work of the University. Critical thinking, creativity, and professional judgment are prerequisites for good use. Responsibility for one's own contribution is always human and in the hands of people, regardless of the technology used. AI does not justify a conclusion or relieve the responsibility from the user. The user verifies the outcome of AI where a reliable result matters. AI can increase access to studies and work, including reading, translating, and organizing projects, and RU takes advantage of these opportunities.
Responsible use
The use of AI is transparent and traceable and complies with applicable laws and regulations. Use is disclosed wherever it affects outcomes. Personal data and confidential information are protected, and data does not enter systems that the University has not approved. AI use should promote equality and fairness, and not the opposite. RU monitors and responds to bias in the systems used by the University for its own operations. In the interests of sustainability, the energy-intensive use of AI is moderated.
Main objectives and emphases
The three main objectives span all of the University's operations and activities. The emphases set out each objective in greater detail and guide the daily use of AI.
Learning and teaching
RU uses AI to improve the quality of learning and teaching, prepares students and teachers to use it confidently and critically, and safeguards the quality of learning and integrity in assessment.
AI literacy. Students and teachers know both the possibilities and the limits of AI, can evaluate its output and take responsibility for their own use. All students receive educational material and instruction in AI literacy.
A clear framework for learning and assessment. Students know when and how AI may be used in each course, and how that use should be disclosed. Course assessment is developed so that it tests students' actual knowledge, skills and competences.
Support for teachers and the development of teaching methods. Teachers receive training, advice and access to a secure AI environment. Experience is shared between departments so that knowledge is built up within the University. Staff develop, test and evaluate teaching and assessment methods that use AI, and the results are used in decisions on the development of teaching methods and learning.
Research and innovation
RU supports researchers in utilising it and to ensure that scientific integrity remains intact.
Access to infrastructure. RU strives to build up access for researchers across all departments to the computational power, data, and expertise required for AI-driven research, including language data and infrastructure for Icelandic language technology.
Integrity in research. The use of AI in research and publications is disclosed, as AI cannot be an author. The University sets clear criteria for disclosure obligations, references, and intellectual property rights in the context of AI.
Innovation and utilisation. The results of AI research are utilised for the benefit of industry and society. RU supports start-ups and collaborations based on the knowledge generated within the University.
Management and operations
RU uses AI to improve services and simplify working practices in the University's operations. RU implements it in a structured way, in a secure environment and with human oversight in processes that affect people.
Secure implementation and reliable data. AI is used in an environment where the University's data is protected. Reliable and consistent data and documents are a precondition for AI to be of use in operations. Systems are selected in an orderly manner and risk is assessed before they are taken into use. Security and privacy requirements also apply to those who provide the University with AI solutions.
Human oversight in decisions. In processes that affect students, staff and participants in research, decisions are always the responsibility of people. AI supports preparation and analysis but does not make decisions on the interests of individuals, neither as tools nor as systems that perform work independently.
Staff capability and working practises. Staff receive training and support to use AI in their daily work. AI changes tasks and working practises, and these changes are made in consultation with staff.
Implementation
The RU Executive Council approves the AI Strategy, and the Rector is responsible for ensuring its implementation. The Vice-Rectors and the Director of Operations lead the implementation of the strategy on behalf of the Rector, manage actions and prioritise them. Department Chairs and other managers are responsible for actions and implementation of the strategy in their departments and units.
The strategy is reviewed annually or more often, as conditions in this area change rapidly. Reviews take account of developments in technology, experience within the University and changes in regulations.
Students, staff and research participants can submit comments or objections regarding the use of AI in matters that concern them, through the channels that apply within the University.
All staff and students participate in realising the strategy in their daily work and studies.
Approved by RU Executive Council on September 29, 2026.