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At a time when Artificial Intelligence is profoundly reshaping education systems, scientific research and decision-making processes, the University of Insubria has chosen to play an active and informed role in this transformation, both nationally and internationally.

The University views AI not as a collection of isolated tools, but as a technological and cultural ecosystem requiring strategic vision, design capabilities, multidisciplinary expertise and a robust governance model. The aim is not simply to adopt innovative technologies, but to develop, trial, evaluate and govern them, putting them at the service of people, the University’s institutional missions and the local community.

Governance, Principles and Regulatory Framework

The University’s approach is underpinned by a comprehensive framework of principles and rules, developed in line with leading international frameworks and European and national legislation.

The University AI Committee provides coordination and strategic guidance, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and supporting the University in developing principles, guidelines and policies for the informed and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. The Committee’s work also promotes dialogue across the university community and encourages a shared culture of innovation.

Building on the development of a “not-a-decalogue” for the proper use of Artificial Intelligence, the University has drawn up specific regulations governing the use of AI in teaching, research and administrative processes. These regulatory instruments, which are being finalised by the governing bodies, place particular emphasis on:

  • risk assessment and management;
  • monitoring models and their impacts;
  • defining ethical, technical and organisational criteria for responsible adoption.

This framework enables a structured approach to innovation, preventing inappropriate or uncontrolled use and ensuring alignment between technological experimentation, the protection of rights and process quality.

Areas of Application and Experimentation

Artificial Intelligence is currently being explored through targeted trials across several areas of the University, following a gradual and controlled approach. Particular attention is paid to the evaluation of tools and their intended contexts of use, distinguishing solutions already adopted or validated at University level from those still being trialled.

In teaching and learning, AI is used to support content design, the accessibility of materials, personalised learning pathways and the monitoring of the learning experience, in line with the University’s predominantly blended teaching model. The solutions being trialled are designed to support teaching staff and students in their work and studies, rather than replace the educational relationship.

In administration, the University is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve process efficiency, reduce repetitive tasks and support information analysis, while keeping human judgement and accountability for decisions central to the process. This also includes trials of advanced productivity and collaboration tools to support the central administration.

A further area concerns communication and digital services, through the development and trialling of institutional virtual assistants and chatbots designed to provide reliable, up-to-date information on services, procedures and deadlines, improving service accessibility for students and staff and reducing the burden on administrative offices of handling information requests.

Collaboration, Research and Knowledge Exchange

The University’s work on Artificial Intelligence is strengthened by an extensive network of collaborations with national and international organisations and institutions, enabling it to trial and validate solutions in complex, multidisciplinary settings. AI research activities, together with support for innovative entrepreneurial initiatives, contribute to the development of advanced expertise and the generation of cutting-edge knowledge.

Alongside research, the University promotes numerous knowledge exchange initiatives through events, conferences, training and outreach activities, contributing to public debate on Artificial Intelligence and raising awareness of its social, economic and cultural impacts.

Infrastructure and Skills for the Future

Innovation in AI is accompanied by the progressive strengthening of computing infrastructure and development environments, to provide students and researchers with tools that meet international standards and support emerging information processing technologies.

In parallel, the University invests in training for academic, technical, administrative and library staff, aiming to build widespread expertise in the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, an understanding of its regulatory implications, and the ability to design and evaluate innovative solutions.

Overall, the University of Insubria views Artificial Intelligence as a strategic opportunity requiring effective governance, rather than simply a technological development. This journey calls for vision, responsibility and the ability to integrate different approaches, building a University capable of innovating, educating and contributing to local development in a sustainable and informed way.

Digital learning platforms and AI-based support services are used to complement synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, in line with the University’s pedagogical and organisational approach.

Particular attention is paid to the informed and controlled use of Artificial Intelligence technologies as tools to support teaching and learning processes, rather than replace the teaching role of academic staff. AI trials are introduced gradually, in accordance with the University’s principles of ethics, transparency, security and personal data protection.

The use of digital platforms and services, including those based on Artificial Intelligence, is systematically monitored through usage indicators, support requests and evidence from Quality Assurance processes, to guide continuous service improvement and inform organisational and teaching decisions.

Further Information
📄 Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning – A detailed document on the University’s approach, governance, trials and principles for the informed use of AI to support teaching and learning.

Innovation and AI in Teaching and Learning

ARIA – The University of Insubria’s virtual assistant.

The University’s innovation projects include ARIA, an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to facilitate access to university information and services.

ARIA was developed as an ongoing testbed for generative AI in a university setting, aiming to improve the experience of students, prospective students, academic staff, technical and administrative staff, and external users, while ensuring transparency, human oversight and privacy protection.

The assistant draws on information resources curated by the University and can help users find information on courses, services, regulations, administrative procedures and other institutional content.

ARIA is a practical example of the University of Insubria’s approach to Artificial Intelligence: putting technology at the service of people and integrating it into processes responsibly and progressively, in line with the ethical and regulatory principles guiding the University’s digital transformation.

The origins of ARIA
ARIA Virtual Assistant – Service Information
Further Information

The University’s ecosystem includes additional AI systems and tools to support teaching and learning, administrative activities, productivity and digital services. For an up-to-date overview of the solutions available and those being trialled, consult the catalogue of AI systems and tools.

Browse the catalogue of AI systems and tools