The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) successfully conducted a two-day Faculty Professional Development Workshop on Generative AI for Academia (CGAIA) on 11–12 November 2025 at the College of Engineering, Al Hail Campus. The workshop was organised under the National Institute of Consultancy and Training (NICAT), in collaboration with Ripples Learning, as part of NUST’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovation and capacity development in higher education.
A total of 30 faculty and administrative staff members from across NUST’s colleges participated in this hands-on training programme designed to enhance the productivity, creativity, and operational efficiency of academic professionals. Participants were introduced to the rapidly evolving landscape of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. They explored their applications in academic writing, curriculum design, research support, and administrative workflows.
The workshop combined conceptual sessions with practical exercises that allowed participants to train and customise their own AI bots, experiment with prompt engineering techniques, and explore how GenAI can be integrated responsibly into teaching, assessment, and management processes. The sessions sparked active engagement, collaborative learning, and creative experimentation, transforming curiosity into capability.
During the closing ceremony, NICAT announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ripples Learning, under the NUST umbrella, to strengthen collaboration in AI-enabled academic transformation and professional development. This strategic partnership will pave the way for a series of upcoming workshops and certification programmes focused on AI-driven productivity enhancement, digital pedagogy, and leadership upskilling for higher education professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives from the organising committee commended the enthusiastic participation of NUST staff and the support of the University’s leadership. This workshop demonstrates NUST’s proactive approach to equipping its academic community with cutting-edge digital competencies that redefine how we teach, research, and manage in the AI era.
Participants expressed their appreciation to the Executive Team at NUST for launching this forward-thinking initiative. They reiterated their eagerness to engage in future professional and capacity development programmes that continue to advance NUST’s vision of academic innovation and excellence.