Associate Director for Digital Engagement, University of Westminter, UK.

Professor Gunter Saunders has over 40 years of experience in higher education and is the Associate Director for Digital Capability Development and AI Leadership at the University of Westminster. Originally a Microbiologist and Genetic Engineer, he spent over 20 years teaching and researching ways to enhance antibiotic production by microorganisms. Always interested in the role of technology in learning and teaching, he transitioned to a professional services support role about 20 years ago. In that role, he has led groups of over 100 colleagues in supporting students and academic colleagues in using digital technologies to enhance learning, teaching, and the student experience.

Professor Saunders is known nationally and internationally for his published work on digital learning and engagement, as well as for his innovative approaches to teaching with digital technologies. Most recently, he has led work at the University of Westminster to develop the university’s strategy for the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning, and working.

This year, he was the co-author of Being Indispensable: Capabilities for a Human-AI World, the ‘FUTURES’ framework for the Higher Education Policy Institute. He is the Chair of an international group under the UN Initiative Futures of Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence. The group focuses on developing policy and providing guidance on the application of generative AI in professional services.