UCT Flourishing Lab: AI and human flourishing

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Centre for Wellbeing and Flourishing invites staff and students to participate in the UCT Flourish Lab: AI, Wellbeing and Human Flourishing, an online, reflective engagement taking place on 1-2 April 2026.

The UCT Flourish Lab is a guided, dialogue-based space designed to explore how emerging global developments intersect with lived flourishing experience. Each year, the lab places a focused spotlight on a theme shaping student life, learning and leadership. In 2026, that spotlight is on artificial intelligence (AI) and human flourishing.

This year's lab follows shortly after an international interface hosted by the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) on AI and well-being. While global scholarship plays an important role in shaping understanding, the UCT Flourish Lab creates a complementary space for local reflection and sense-making, centred on the voices and experiences of staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The lab is not a conference or a technical AI workshop. Instead, it prioritises thoughtful listening, shared inquiry and psychological safety. Contributors are invited to reflect on questions such as what it means to flourish as a human being in increasingly AI-shaped academic and social environments; how AI is influencing learning, identity, relationships and wellbeing; and how students and staff imagine responsible and hopeful futures.

The two-day online programme will feature short reflective contributions from a diverse range of student and staff speakers, paired with facilitated dialogue and engagement. No prior expertise in artificial intelligence or psychology is required for attendance.

• Register to attend.
• Submit expression of interest to contribute as a speaker.

For more information, please contact .

Sincerely

Centre for Wellbeing and Flourishing
Department of Student Affairs