The AI Knowledge Exchange
In 2026, in collaboration with the Forrest Research Foundation, the Fogarty Foundation hosted the University of Oxford’s Dr Sara Ratner as our AI Distinguished Visiting Researcher for the AI Knowledge Exchange, a week-long program that brought together more than 500 sector leaders, teachers, school leaders, young people, researchers and policymakers to drive a strategic response to AI in education across Western Australia. Working directly alongside WA’s education community, Dr Ratner helped bridge global research with local practice through think tanks, roundtables, youth consultations and a hands-on training day for pre-service teachers, exploring how AI is affecting schools from the classroom right through to sector policy.
Recommendations for Western Australia from the 2026 AI Knowledge Exchange
This report presents eight recommendations that emerged consistently throughout the Knowledge Exchange. Collectively, they provide a practical roadmap for strengthening Western Australia's capacity to implement AI in ways that enhance teaching, support learning, protect children, and contribute to long-term educational excellence.
Dr Sara Ratner
Navigating the Future of Knowledge
The Forrest Research Foundation, in partnership with the Fogarty Foundation, presents this Perth Dialogue featuring Dr Sara Ratner, an internationally recognised educator and researcher at the University of Oxford. Drawing on her work across education, policy and technology, Ratner explores how individuals and institutions can adapt to rapid change while preserving the human judgement, curiosity and relationships that underpin discovery, decision-making and progress.
As artificial intelligence transforms how information is created, shared and accessed, what skills and values will matter most? How can educators, researchers, policymakers and communities embrace new technologies while retaining critical thinking and human agency? And how do we ensure that innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, our capacity to learn, collaborate and make meaning together? In this Perth Dialogue, Dr Sara Ratner argues that the future will be shaped not by technology alone, but by our collective ability to respond thoughtfully, responsibly and with purpose.
Dr Sara Ratner