Portrettbilde av Debasish Ghose
Førsteamanuensis Debasish Ghose ved School of Economy, Innovation, and Technology har fått tildelt tre millioner kroner til sitt Utforsk-prosjekt "Sustainable AI Literacy in Higher Education through Multilateral Collaborations"Photo: Kristiania

Tekst: Per Olav Solberg

Kristiania receives UTFORSK funding for groundbreaking AI collaboration

Kristiania has been awarded three million Norwegian kroner to develop ethical and sustainable AI education in collaboration with universities in India and South Korea.

Kristiania University College has received prestigious UTFORSK funding from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) for the first time. The grant of three million Norwegian kroner will finance an extensive collaboration project in artificial intelligence (AI) with leading institutions in India and South Korea.

Focuses on ethical AI development

The project "Sustainable AI Literacy in Higher Education through Multilateral Collaborations" (SAIL-MC) aims to enhance educational quality and promote ethical use of artificial intelligence through international collaboration. Partners include OsloMet, Woosong University in South Korea, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India.

– This project marks a milestone in how we educate future AI experts. We will not only focus on technical skills but also ensure that students understand the ethical challenges in AI development, especially within healthcare informatics, says the project's chief architect, Associate Professor Debasish Ghose at the School of Economics, Innovation and Technology (SEIT) at Kristiania University College.

Important international collaboration

The UTFORSK programme is the government's key instrument for promoting international educational cooperation with priority countries outside the EU/EEA. The programme aims to enhance the quality of Norwegian higher education through lasting partnerships with foreign institutions.

The project, led by Pro-Dean Eivind Brevik (SEIT), will enable the exchange of 32 master's students and 3 PhD students between the partner countries. Additionally, three new courses focusing on ethical AI will be developed, and four international workshops will be organized.

– This grant is a recognition of Kristiania University College's ambitious focus on AI education. Through this project, we will be able to offer our students international experience and a unique perspective on responsible AI development, says Brevik.

FACTS ABOUT THE UTFORSK PROJECT SAIL-MC

  • Grant: Three million Norwegian kroner from the UTFORSK programme
  • Duration: 2025-2028
  • Partners: Kristiania University College, OsloMet, Woosong University (South Korea), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (India)
  • Main activities: Student exchange, course development, workshops, and research collaboration
  • Focus area: Ethical and sustainable development of artificial intelligence
  • The UTFORSK programme totals approximately 150 million Norwegian kroner. 14 universities and colleges in Norway have received funding for 50 different projects.