Dr Sara Ratner begins Visiting Researcher Fellowship in Perth

Dr Sara Ratner has commenced a week-long Distinguished Visiting Researcher Fellowship in Perth, Australia, where she is working with the Forrest Research Foundation and the Fogarty Foundation to help shape conversations regarding the future of artificial intelligence in education.

Sara said: “When I was first invited the Foundations did not know that Perth was my home town. They only knew of my professional and academic work. So to be recognised for my efforts by the town I grew up in feels really special.

“Coming home to Perth and meeting with ministers and senior leaders across education, industry and philanthropy to help shape the direction for the future of education in Western Australia has been amazing.

“We had a dinner with the Forrest and Fogarty PhD scholars on the banks of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River), an ancient place of connection.

“At the end, I was gifted a beautiful messaging stick from the Noongar elders. This gift is incredibly significant, representing an Aboriginal means of communication to ensure safe passage and that you always find your way home. It was deeply moving.”

As part of the residency, Sara will engage with government, educators, school leaders, sector leaders, industry experts and researchers to explore how AI could be implemented safely, ethically and equitably in schools.

Her programme includes parent and community events, school visits, educator and sector leader roundtables, discussions with government ministers and a policy think tank, bringing together international research and local educational practice.

Awarded as a distinguished researcher bringing together policy, pedagogy, innovation and industry, Sara’s work focuses on ensuring that AI supports teaching and learning while promoting student wellbeing, privacy and equity.

During the fellowship, she will contribute evidence-based approaches, helping the Western Australian Government develop practical frameworks and policies that empower teachers, students and parents to explore the potential for AI responsibly.

The residency aims to translate cutting-edge research into realistic, scalable approaches for classrooms, while supporting Western Australia’s ambition to become a national leader in AI literacy and safe AI adoption in education.

The Forrest Research Foundation Distinguished Visitors Program is a prestigious initiative designed to foster a vibrant exchange of knowledge and ideas by inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders from around the world to Western Australia.

This very special AI in Education residency is in collaboration with the Fogarty Foundation.

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