AI – More Questions than Answers! - Fiona Borthwick

The fifth seminar in this current series will be hosted by CIB Vice President Ron Wakefield. Our invited speaker is Fiona Borthwick, coordinator CIB W089 Education in the Built Environment.

Title - AI – More Questions than Answers!

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is impacting on us all in lots of different ways and it is no different within Construction and Education. The question is how we integrate AI into the curricula, ensuring academics are AI-literate, and that graduates have the required skills that align with evolving industry demands.

This presentation will explore some of the challenges that are being faced in education, predominantly within a UK context, in incorporating AI in construction education whilst considering the needs of industry and the urgency of curriculum reform to produce future-ready professionals capable with the knowledge and skills to work in an increasingly ‘intelligent’ construction and built environment.

Biography

Dr Fiona Borthwick is the Subject Head of Civil Engineering and Built Environment and has over 30 years of academic experience, with 17 years of experience providing academic leadership for the development of subjects within the School. She is the Vice Chair (Chair starting January 2026) of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Accreditation Panel which accredits Construction programmes globally that meet the Education Framework and CIOB guidelines. Fiona was involved in the Working Group that developed the MSc Education Framework in 2019 and 2025, and is also on the Leadership Executive for the Council of Heads of the Built Environment (CHOBE).