Oxford university announces partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI
The University of Oxford has announced a new five-year partnership with OpenAI - the maker of the world's best-known artificial intelligence tool, ChatGPT. This collaboration will provide students and staff with access to funding and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance teaching, learning, and research.
As part of the partnership, Oxford researchers will have access to OpenAI's latest models, including a version of ChatGPT specifically designed for educational institutions. Research grant funding will also be available for projects involving collaboration with OpenAI, headquartered in the Silicon Valley region of California in the US.
Digitisation of Bodleian Library Collections
In addition to AI tools and funding, part of the Bodleian Library's public collection will be digitised as part of this initiative. This move is expected to make previously unavailable library collections accessible online to a global audience.
Accelerating Research in Key Areas
The partnership aims to accelerate research in critical areas such as health and climate change. Prof Patrick Grant, the pro vice-chancellor for research at Oxford, emphasized the university's commitment to leveraging AI for groundbreaking studies that benefit both scholars and society. He stated, "The university aims to be at the forefront of AI research and the application of AI for all researchers, by producing ground-breaking studies to help both scholars and society not only adapt to these technologies but also harness them wisely to their full potential."
NextGenAI Initiative
The University of Oxford's participation in the NextGenAI initiative, sponsored by OpenAI and involving top universities in the US and UK, led to this significant partnership. The initiative aims to catalyse a new generation of institutions equipped to harness the transformative power of AI. Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's chief operating officer, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the academic community to build AI that benefits everyone.
Librarian Richard Ovenden underscored the Bodleian Library's mission to acquire, preserve, and make knowledge available for the benefit of students, researchers, and the wider public. The library's digitisation efforts align with its commitment to innovation and leveraging technology to further its mission.
Conclusion
This partnership signifies a pivotal moment for the University of Oxford and OpenAI, marking a collaborative effort to advance research, innovation, and accessibility in the field of artificial intelligence.
