How the AI and ML Competency Centre can support academic projects
Supporting innovative research across Oxford through technical expertise, training, and collaboration in AI and machine learning.
Alongside delivering training and piloting generative AI tools, the AI and Machine Learning Competency Centre has been providing dedicated support to projects across the University. These collaborations range from offering technical expertise and advice on AI technologies to delivering practical demonstrations.
One such collaboration saw team members support researchers from the Department of Experimental Psychology in exploring the psychological impacts of generative AI and the use of AI avatars to support grieving individuals. Working with Dr Kirsten Smith, Clinical Psychologist, the Centre team – comprising of Lead Business Technologist Kelly Webb-Davies, Training Manager Xavier Laurent, and Senior Research Software Engineer Edward Fauchon-Jones – assisted with two academic projects: one examining the emotional impact and therapeutic potential of generative AI; the other developing a prototype GPT chatbot and custom AI avatars for psychological research.
While full project implementation has yet to be completed due to prolonged ethical approval processes and data collection constraints, the Centre team has provided technical guidance, training, and hands-on demonstrations using ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, and HeyGen – a generative AI video platform that enables users to create professional-quality AI avatar videos.
Dr Smith has said:
“The expertise and guidance from the AI Competency Centre provided the practical support we needed to develop a detailed logistics plan for two projects that will form the basis of a funding application exploring the role of AI in the grieving process. Their input has helped us better understand how custom chatbot and GPT technologies could be applied to address our research questions and integrated into the proposed studies. Their support was invaluable in educating both myself and my master’s students on the potential of these tools, including detailed tutorials and session notes that will be instrumental as we move forward. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Xavier, Kelly, and Edward.”
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in academic research, the AI and ML Competency Centre continues to play a vital role in supporting innovation across the University. Through their work, the team is helping researchers overcome technical and conceptual barriers to unlock the full potential of AI in their work.
Collaborations like the one with Dr Smith demonstrate how the Centre’s support can shape the direction of meaningful, ethically grounded research. Whether academics are exploring AI for the first time or looking to build more advanced applications, the Centre is here to provide the tools, knowledge and confidence to take ideas forward. If you have a project that could benefit from the Centre’s expertise, get in touch through the expression of interest form.
