Across three days [26-28th August] the conference will explore the realities and identify the challenges, and opportunities of Generative AI in education
The transformation of problem-based learning in medical education and rediscovering the purpose of higher education along with the ethical challenges of using AI are among the themes that will be explored during the fifth National GenAIEdu 3 day conference which is taking place at Ulster University’s Belfast Campus.
Organised by the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment in partnership with South West College and supported by BringITON and Connected NI, the conference brings together leading voices from the World of AI and Education to explore the challenges, practicalities, pitfalls, and opportunities of using Generative AI in the classroom while ensuring the integrity of the assessment process.
Speaking at the event, Professor Colin Turner, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Faculty of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, Ulster University said; “As the technical developments in AI continue to accelerate, we are already seeing its impact on the job market. The fifth iteration of the GenAIEdu Conference will help all of those working in education not only to understand how AI can be used more effectively within education, but to explore how education may change in preparing pupils and students for different working lives."
READ MORE: Artificial Intelligence research from Ulster University set to supercharge 6G Networks
“This conference is about giving educators, policymakers and students the awareness and practical tools they need to navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI. Over three days, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations of GenAI in action. Most importantly, they will have the opportunity to connect with leading voices who are shaping the future of learning and safeguarding academic standards.”
This year’s conference features a distinguished line-up of national and international speakers; Dr Hazel Farrell, national lead of the N-TUTORR GenAI:N3 project, will explore strategic leadership in her talk “Beyond Adoption: Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI.” Jonathan Sansom will showcase his pioneering work on classroom AI tools in “Can we keep students out of the Cognitive Valley? Educator-Led GenAI Design with Copilot Studio.” From the University of Sydney, Professor Danny Liu will examine the realities of AI in assessment, while Dr Caroline Clewley, AI Futurist at Imperial College London, will deliver “From AI Shortcuts to Authentic Learning: Rediscovering the Purpose of Higher Education.” Ulster University’s own experts will also be taking part with Prof Stephen Farry on AI policy opportunities and challenges for Northern Ireland, Dr Enjy Abouzeid on how AI is transforming problem-based learning in medical education, and Michael Callaghan, who will lead a hands-on workshop, “Beginner’s Guide to AI,” offering practical tools and exercises to help participants engage directly with generative AI.
Joanne McGovern, conference co-chair added. “Conferences like this are vital as we navigate the rapid rise of generative AI in education. They not only support teachers with the knowledge and tools to adapt, but also spotlight innovative ways we can support learners in a world that’s changing fast. It’s about shaping an educational future that’s not just reactive, but confidently responsive, one that ensures every learner is equipped to thrive in the age of AI.”
Among the highlights of the 2025 Conference are a discussion panel on the opportunities and ethical challenges of tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, Copilot(s) and AI Agents, in-person workshops, and live demonstrations of GenAI tools. While an additional two new features are being introduced this year: an AI in Research strand and the inaugural AI in Education Awards, showcasing best practice in the classroom.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
