The ongoing impact of generative AI (GenAI) has led to a lack of knowledge and clarity, as well as increasing levels of apprehension among those working in higher education. To address this in Munster Technological University (MTU), the Department of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) curated a series of talks aimed to support staff with the most current perspectives from those leading the GenAI conversation. Contributors included Prof. Mairead Pratschke from the University of Manchester, Prof. Richard Watermeyer from the University of Bristol, Prof. Peter Bryant from the University of Sydney and Dr Richard Whittle from the University of Salford.

This series of talks offered a fast-paced exploration of how GenAI is reshaping higher education. Some of the key issues discussed included the implications of GenAI for academic labour and leadership, the clear and urgent need for GenAI literacy among educators and what happens when cheap knowledge meets a financially precarious sector. This paper will reflect upon, review and synthesise the ideas presented in these talks, with an eye on the fast changing nature of this space. Finally the impact of this series on MTU staff will be shared.