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Programme

1. Simon Roy, OECD, Head of Higher Education Policy

Bio: Simon Roy leads the Higher Education Policy Team in the OECD’s Directorate for Education and Skills. Over the least two years, the OECD work programme on higher education has focused on resourcing higher education, adapting higher education provision in the face of evolving demand for upskilling and reskilling, including the development of non-degree credentials, as well as digitalisation in the higher education sector. In addition to work on micro-credentials, major current projects led by the OECD team deal with higher education financing, widening access and study success in higher education, and quality assurance across post-secondary education sectors. Alongside continued work on existing topics and an increased focus on widening access and student success, planned activities in the next two-year work programme (2025-26) include a stocktaking with OECD member countries on the implications of artificial intelligence for higher education policy. Prior to joining the OECD in 2017, Simon worked for seven years on higher education policy issues at the European Commission.

Presentation title – The Implications of AI for Higher Education: Emerging Patterns in OECD Countries

Abstract: The OECD has been heavily engaged in global discussions about the development of artificial intelligence. A Recommendation of the OECD Council, adopted by the Organisation’s 38 members in 2019 and updated in 2024, calls for international co-operation to develop and deploy trustworthy AI and for OECD countries to adopt policies to build human capacity and prepare for labour market transformations related to AI. Work is already underway within different OECD teams to explore the capabilities of AI and the effects of generative AI on demand for skills, while the Organisation’s work programme for 2025-26 identifies the implications of AI for higher education as a priority for further work. This presentation will highlight evidence on the increasing capabilities of generative AI, provide an overview of the main opportunities and risks of this technology for teaching and learning in higher education and identify possible ways in which upcoming work can help to understand how AI is being deployed in higher education institutions and where targeted government policies might be needed.

2. Pinar Heggernes, University of Bergen, Vice-Rector for Education and Digital Knowledge, Member of Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium

Bio: Professor Pinar Heggernes is the deputy rector of the University of Bergen, responsible for education and digitalization. She specializes in algorithms within informatics (computer science). From 2018 to 2021, she led the Department of Informatics at UiB and has extensive board experience both at UiB and nationally. She serves on the directing boards of the Research Council of Norway and Simula Research Laboratory, and helped establish the NORA AI consortium, chairing it for its first three years. Pinar has a strong background as a researcher, lecturer, and leader of large projects, and has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary ICT research and education at UiB.

Presentation title – The Role of Higher Education for Successful Digital Transformation and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: Digitalization is transforming education at all levels; it changes the subjects and methods in curricula and how professions are practiced. How are higher educational institutions equipped to stay ahead of this? A successful digital transition is indispensable for a green transition and democratic societal development. Digital competence is demanded in education, in the workforce, and in society at large. How can European universities contribute to make Europe leading in a successful digital transformation of society?

3. Vincent Wade, Trinity College Dublin, Chair of Computer Science (Est. 1990), Co-Founder of ADAPT SFI Research Centre for AI & Digital Media Technologies, Co-Director of SFI Centre for Postgraduate Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (School of Computer Science & Statistics) 

Bio: Professor Vincent Wade holds the established Professorial Chair of Computer Science (Est. 1990) in School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin and holds a personal Chair in Artificial Intelligence. He received BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Computer Science and is cofounder and former Director of the ADAPT Centre for AI & Digital Media Technology (www.adaptcentre.ie). His research focuses on AI, Personalisation and Generative AI based systems. In the ADAPT Centre Vincent heads a leading team in Human Centric AI which pioneers research in human empowerment via AI enhanced digital content and communication technology. He was awarded Fellowship of Trinity College for his contribution to research and has published over three hundred and fifty scientific papers in peer reviewed international journals and conferences. In 2018 he was awarded Provost Innovation Award, the highest accolade the university can bestow for international research impact.  Vincent was also co-founder of a very successful TCD spin-out company called ETU (etu.co) which specializes in AI driven video based simulation technology and immersive learning analytics which was recently acquired for approx. $50M. Other awards won by Professor Wade includes two European Language Label Award for innovation in Language Learning Technology (2010, 2020). He also holds multiple patents and invention disclosures in the area of AI personalisation and digital content technologies.

Presentation title – Opportunities, Challenges and Adoption Strategies of GenAI technology in Education

Abstract: The new wave of Generative AI (GenAI) technology has seen dramatic change in the perception of how AI could change the way we live and work. Unlike other forms of automation, GenAI has the potential to transform the way knowledge based work and activities are performed.  In Education which already has a rich tradition in learning analytics, GenAI has the potential to rapidly transform and personalise how people learn, how that learning is assessed and how it is integrated within daily living. This talk will explore the dramatic rise of Generative AI, discuss rapidly evolving GenAI technology and highlight the opportunities and challenges presented by GenAI enabled Education. It will illustrate emerging the GenAI techniques and technology in drawing from emerging EdTech case studies.

4. Beatrix Busse, University of Cologne, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Teaching, Coimbra Group Executive Board Vice-Chair

Bio: Beatrix Busse is Professor of English Linguistics and Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies at the University of Cologne. From 2011 to 2019 she held the Chair of English Linguistics at Heidelberg University where she was appointed as Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Affairs twice, from 2013 to 2019. Beatrix Busse is also Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group since June 2023. Furthermore, she is Chief Development Officer for EUniWell – the European University for Well-Being.

Presentation title – Generative Artificial Intelligence and Well-Being in Higher Education

Abstract: The main objective of this keynote is to show the multidimensional relationships between generative Artificial Intelligence and Well-Being in the context of higher education. Well-being meaning here, both subjective well-being as well as the eudemonic notion of well-being as a responsible and virtuous approach to life that is sustainable and self-satisfying. In our postdigital world, generative AI permeates all aspects of life, fundamentally transforming how we create, access, judge and interact with knowledge, research and education. This transformation significantly impacts the well-being of the individual, societies and the planet. Generative AI presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly in education and research. Addressing these requires a holistic and multidimensional approach, considering issues of autonomy, equity, ethics, and values to both the creation and responsible use of resources. At the heart of this approaches lies the urgent need for comprehensive education as well as the integration of research and education, which foster the competencies necessary to navigate and responsibly shape possible futures. Taking these steps now is essential to improving well-being.

5. Florin Olariu, Technical Manager at Centric IT Solutions Romania, Member of an OpenAI working group

Bio: Florin Olariu holds the position of Research & Development Manager at Centric IT Solutions Romania, with 28 years of professional experience in software development. His academic experience involves a PhD in Strategic Cloud Transition: Balancing Costs and Performance for Business Applications and courses taught on topics such as Introduction to .NET, Advanced Topics in .NET and Collaboration in Software Engineering labs.

Presentation title – Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Comprehensive Examination

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, offering innovative solutions that support both students and teachers, making learning more accessible, personalized, and efficient. Practical applications include personalized adaptive learning, automated assessment of assignments, pedagogical support through virtual assistants, foreign language learning through chatbots, and predictive analysis of educational data. However, the implementation of AI in education raises important ethical challenges, such as data protection and privacy, ensuring equity and equal access to education, algorithmic transparency, and maintaining human autonomy in the educational process. Key advantages of AI in education include large-scale personalized learning, automation of administrative tasks, 24/7 access to educational resources, improved accessibility for students with special needs, and development of skills for an AI-dominated future. Nevertheless, there are also significant challenges, such as the risk of excessive dependence on technology, high implementation and maintenance costs, reduction of direct human interaction, cybersecurity issues, and resistance to change from teachers and institutions. For successful implementation of AI in education, an ethical and transparent approach is essential, along with close collaboration between all parties involved and continuous evaluation of the impact of these technologies on the educational process.

Iasi is located in the northeastern part of Romania, about 390km north of Bucharest and it is accessible by air and land transport.

Getting to Iaşi

By plane

Iași International Airport (8 km northeast of the city center), although small, is served by several airlines (Tarom, Austrian Airlines, Wizzair, Ryanair, Hisky, Fly Lili) and offers direct flights to/from a large number of cities, like: Barcelona, Madrid, London, Liverpool, Dublin, Paris, Eindhoven, Berlin, Billund, Bruxelles, Copenhagen, Vienna, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Bergamo, Rome, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, Istanbul. etc. Please check the map to see all the destinations.

Once at Iaşi International Airport, the city center can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by:

• bus no. 50 (the bus stop is in front of the T4 terminal and the timetable can be found at this link) or

• taxi/ Uber/ Bolt (at a cost of approximately 12 Euros)

If you choose to fly directly to Bucharest, you can travel to Iasi by:

1. By train

From Otopeni Airport to North Railway Station (Gara de Nord) in Bucharest, and then

– from North Railway Station to Iasi

You need to know that you have 6 options daily, and the travel duration is around 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Please check this website for timetables and online tickets.

2. By bus

          From Otopeni Airport to Iași Bus Station.

          The bus stop is in front of International Departures Terminal. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and the cost is approximately 25 – 30 Euros/one way. Please check this link for timetables and online tickets.

Green travel:

We fully support sustainable mobility and we encourage you to choose more sustainable means of transportation.

Check the train operator website and the Interrail website for details.

• Recommended:

  • Unirea Hotel and Spa (https://www.hotelunirea.ro/en/) – 50 rooms have been pre-booked for 20-23 November, at 410 Ron (aprox 82 Euro)/ night/ single room or 495 Ron (aprox 99 Euro)/ night/ double room, breakfast and access to spa included. For reservations, please email reservation@hotelunirea.ro and mention that you are attending the Coimbra Group Seminar – deadline for final reservations: 31 October 2024
  • Akademos University residence – 20 rooms have been pre-booked for 20-23 November, at 164 Ron (aprox 33 Euro)/ night/ single room or 218 Ron (aprox44 Euro)/ night/ double room , breakfast included. For reservations, please email coimbraseminar@uaic.ro

• Other hotels nearby:

  • Grand Hotel Traian (https://grandhoteltraian.ro/en/) – Adress: Piața Unirii, no. 1, 16 minutes walking distance to Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
  • Select (https://www.selectgrup.ro/en/home-en/) – Adress: 14 Decembrie 1989 street, 17 minutes walking distance to Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
  • Prestige – Adress: Titu Maiorescu street no. 1, 7 minutes walking distance to Alexandru Ioan Cuza University

• Location of the seminar

          Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania – Check the map to see where is located

• Local transportation

          If you need to travel into the city, here are the options: 

          By bus/tram: www.sctpiasi.ro (the website is in Romanian, but you may use the browser translator for the English version).

          Here is the map of the local transport network. Bus/tram fare for 1 ticket is 3.5 lei = 0.70 Euro.

        You can buy the tickets:

• from CTP Kiosks in the city
• using a POS if you have a contactless card
• using 24pay app on the phone to scan a QR code in the bus/ tram

          By taxi:

          Euro Taxi (tel: +40 232 217 217)

          Lux Taxi (tel: +40 232 255 255)

          Uber (www.uber.com/global/en/cities/iasi/)

          Bolt (https://bolt.eu/en/cities/iasi/)

          By electric scooter:

          Lime scooter (https://www.li.me/en-pt/vehicles/scooter)

          Bolt scooter (https://bolt.eu/en/scooters/)

• Official time

           GMT + 3 / Central European Time + 1

• Currency

            Leu (RON) – 1 EUR = 4.9772 Lei

• Country phone code

           +40

• Temperatures

          Typically, November in Iaşi includes low temperatures and moderate rainfall. Anticipate daytime highs near 9°C, and cooler nights with temperatures around 2°C.

• Emergency phone number

            112 (for Police, Rescue and Fire Department, Medical Assistance – emergency)

Please contact the organising team if you have any question: coimbraseminar@uaic.ro