TU Dublin Hosts Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology
Leading University figures from across Europe met in Dublin last week to discuss the opportunities of digital transformation and its impact on almost everything in Higher Education, from infrastructure and administration to learning and assessment methods.
Hosted in Ireland by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) for the first time since its inception in 1980, the 41st Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology explored a range of topics, including the challenges and opportunities of ChatGPT and the human factors affecting digital transformation projects.
First held in 1980, the Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology (CRP) was initially established as an informal platform where Presidents of leading science and engineering universities in Europe could discuss emerging trends in Higher Education. Since then, the annual conference has emerged as a think tank for exploring the future development of Universities of Technology in Europe, with over 40 University presidents attending the 2023 event in TU Dublin.
Speaking about the conference, the President of TU Dublin, Professor David FitzPatrick, said, “The accelerated deployment of online teaching during the pandemic has triggered a global debate about the integration of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning, but many universities continue to grapple with finding the right balance between digital and traditional analogue approaches. The 41st Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology will provide a forum for higher education leaders to explore the varied approaches to digital transformation and to identify innovative solutions to common challenges.”
Over two days, attendees heard from many eminent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Enkeledja Kasneci, Head of Chair of Human-Centered Technologies, who will speak about the challenges of Generative AI. Commenting on this keynote. Prof. Dr. Kasneci said, “Generative AI is currently challenging our educational practices and, simultaneously, offering new ways of learning, including personalized learning experiences and innovative content creation. This talk will discuss the transformative potential of generative AI and the challenges it introduces, including equity concerns, and invite a discussion on the future of AI-driven education and strategies for effective integration.” Other speakers will include Prof. Philip Nolan, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland and Prof. David FitzPatrick, President of Technological University Dublin.
The 41st Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology took place on the Grangegorman Campus of TU Dublin on the 22nd and 23rd of September. The conference programme is available to view online here.
Conference of Rectors and Presidents of European Universities of Technology in the Central Quad, Grangegorman
