Dr Parks Makhoahle, Senior Lecturer: Biomedical Technology, Dr Xolani Khohliso, Deputy Director: Curriculum and Academic Staff Development, Dr Deliwe Mtyongwe-Mongalo, Lecturer: Dental Assisting; and Mr Malesela Matlawe, Research Ethics and Integrity Officer at the 11th Annual Advancing Research Ethics training in Southern Africa (ARESA) Research Ethics Seminar.

In a remarkable display of intellectual prowess and commitment to ethical research, four esteemed members of the Central University of Technology staff recently made their mark at the 11th Annual Advancing Research Ethics Training in Southern Africa (ARESA) Research Ethics Seminar held at the University of Stellenbosch on 12-13 October 2023. The event served as a dynamic forum for in-depth discussions on ‘Generative AI and Ethics by Design’, a topic of utmost relevance in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

The central theme of the seminar revolved around the ethical considerations associated with generative AI, a field at the forefront of innovation. CUT staff members actively engaged in thought-provoking conversations about the responsible development and deployment of AI systems, with a clear emphasis on the importance of ethics by design. The concept calls for AI technology to be innovative and, more importantly, ethical by design. The aim is to ensure that AI contributes to the advancement of society without compromising fundamental ethical principles or causing unintended harm.

Regulation in generative AI emerged as a pressing concern during the seminar. Participants discussed potential regulatory frameworks and guidelines for governing AI systems. This critical dialogue highlighted the necessity of transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight to ensure that generative AI aligns with societal values and ethical standards. The event also provided a platform to address the challenges faced by Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in reviewing research protocols while maintaining the highest standards of research integrity. 

Dr Parks Makhoahle, Senior Lecturer: Biomedical Technology and one of the academics who attended the seminar, said that data privacy, particularly concerning health data, was another significant point of discussion. “We explored advanced techniques for de-identifying and anonymising health data, emphasising the delicate balance between data utility and privacy. The seminar offered valuable insights into the technical strategies and tools available to achieve this balance effectively. The implications of international collaborations in data privacy and AI ethics were also discussed. The discussions further shed light on how different jurisdictions approach data privacy, challenges and opportunities that arise in international research partnerships.” 

The CUT team indicated that the seminar was an enriching experience for them as they not only had an opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge but also represented the university on the global stage. “The insights gained from this event promise to shape the university's future research and teaching endeavours in the domains of generative AI and research ethics. We are looking forward to more engagements and future collaborations,” added Makhoahle.