Beyond the Tool: Building Institutional AI Literacy & Capability
Most institutions approach Artificial Intelligence as a technical challenge to be managed. However, true readiness requires shifting the focus from the “tools” to the “people”—developing a systemic literacy that encompasses ethics, pedagogy, and long-term capability.
This panel brings together global thought leaders to move beyond the hype. We will explore how universities can bridge the gap between AI theory and practical implementation, ensuring that students and educators are not just using AI, but collaborating with it effectively and ethically.
- Monday, 15 June 2026
- 1 PM (GST)
Discussion Points
- Why understanding the “how” and “why” of AI is more critical for long-term success than learning specific software.
- Identifying where universities are currently succeeding—and where they are struggling—in their AI adoption journeys.
- Exploring how programmes like Professional AI Use in Higher Education bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and institutional action.
- How AI is fundamentally changing the academic skills and creative expectations required for the modern workforce.
- Creating adaptable AI policies that balance innovation with rigorous data governance and academic integrity
Your speaker
Dr Lynette Pretorius
Dr. Lynette Pretorius is an award-winning educator and researcher in academic language, literacy, and research methodologies. Experienced in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, including PhD supervision, she has authored multiple journal articles and two books on graduate research. Qualified in Medicine, Science, Education, and Counselling, her interests span doctoral education, student wellbeing, and AI literacy. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she is internationally recognised for her commitment to teaching and learning approaches which foster high-quality student learning.
Dr. Salim Razi
Dr. Salim Razı is the Founder and Director of the COMU Centre for Academic Integrity and co-founder of AMEA Integrity. A former Board member of the European Network for Academic Integrity (2017–2023), he coordinated the “Good Practice” labelled EU project “Facing Academic Integrity Threats (FAITH)”. He developed the ‘transparent academic writing rubric’ and the ‘anonymous multi-mediated writing model’ to prevent plagiarism, earning the 2015 Turnitin Global Innovation Award; the latter was recognised as a good practice by the Australian Government’s TEQSA in 2017. Recipient of the 2023 ENAI Outstanding Member Award, he initiated the “ENAI PhD Summer Schools” for early career researchers, which was featured by Times Higher Education. He further received the 2025 ENAI Exemplary Activism Award and serves as an associate editor of the International Journal for Educational Integrity.
Isaac Tabor
As the Head of Digital Learning, Isaac provides strategic oversight and expertise on digital learning trends. He is chiefly responsible for developing KnE Learn, a digital learning environment that leverages a network of subject matter experts and Knowledge E’s training experience to deliver self-paced training to HEIs worldwide. Isaac has ten years of professional experience in education development across the UAE, USA, and South-East Asia. He holds Master’s degrees in History from the University of Edinburgh and Learning Design & Technology from the University of Maryland.
Moderated by:
Lisette van Kessel
Lisette oversees marketing for both Knowledge E and Zendy, driving global brand visibility and user engagement. She brings extensive experience in digital strategy and brand management to the team. A strong advocate for social impact and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Lisette focuses on connecting emerging research communities with the resources they need to thrive.