News Story

KMi turns 30 years old and new STEM Executive Dean joins the celebrations

Nancy Pontika, Friday 30 May 2025

On Wednesday, 14th May, KMi marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of innovation and pioneering projects in emerging technology. KMi has been a beacon of creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries of digital media, interactive technologies and artificial intelligence. KMi’s celebration included a showcase of its iconic innovations in Generative AI for education, learning analytics, open science and metascience, technology for teaching, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and social justice.

As KMi enters its fourth decade, it remains committed to its mission of innovation and excellence. KMi continues to explore new frontiers, seek further internal and external collaborations, and develop AI solutions to help shape the future of the OU and higher education in general. KMi’s Director, Harith Alani, argues that “While Higher Education in the UK continues to face challenges, universities that will survive and continue to thrive are undoubtedly the ones that know how to innovate their business, how to stay ahead of competitors, and how to leverage technologies to enhance efficiency and provide better service to staff and students. This has always been the role of KMi, and the OU needs this now more than ever before”.

KMi’s track record in research and innovation goes a long way; leading many groundbreaking initiatives such as launching the largest virtual participation platform, developing the first AI and learning analytics tools for both tutors and students, releasing a global open research database, forming strategic partnerships with local councils and businesses, and now spearheading the integration of Generative AI into teaching and learning.

KMi’s success is a testament to the vision of the OU, and to the hardworking, smart, and innovative people who have dedicated their careers to advancing knowledge and technology.