Education and Research

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Intro:
Education is evolving rapidly with the integration of AI, IoT, and advanced data systems — enabling more responsive, inclusive, and effective learning environments. This breakout session examines how technology is driving the next wave of education and research innovation, from adaptive learning platforms to AI-augmented teaching practices and the digital transformation of academic institutions. It also explores how indigenous perspectives and global frameworks can shape future-ready learning models. Join thought leaders from academia and industry as they discuss real-world applications, critical challenges, and the future of smart education.

What to Expect:

• How AI can serve as a collaborator in the classroom and research environment

• Designing personalised, data-informed, and student-centred learning systems

• The need to reimagine traditional education models in the digital age

• Insights from the world's first AI-focused university and its teaching strategies

• Indigenous knowledge systems and their role in shaping tech-enabled education

Who Should Attend:

• Educators and Academic Researchers

• University Leadership and Policy Makers

• EdTech Developers and Entrepreneurs

• Instructional Designers and Learning Architects

• Higher Education Strategy and Transformation Leads

• Cultural Advisors and Diversity Champions

• Students and Early-Career Researchers

• Organisations involved in education innovation or digital learning

Speakers:

• Guy Bate, Thematic Lead in Artificial Intelligence, University of Auckland Business School – “AI as our collaborator in teaching and learning”

• Byron Rangiwai, Associate Professor of Māori & Indigenous Research, Unitec – Presentation Title: TBD

• Lynn Gribble, Associate Professor, UNSW Business School – “Time to Reimagine Education”

• Kevin Bell, Head of Higher Education and Research, AWS – “More Than a Faster Horse”

• Petra Jeffery, Advisor, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence – “Teaching and Learning Experiences from the World's First AI University”

Breakout Co-Chair:

• Iman Ardekani – Associate Professor, Unitec Institute of Technology