SETU’s Dr Hazel Farrell, Academic Lead for Generative AI (GenAI) was invited to address representatives from 46 member states at the official launch of the Council of Europe’s ‘AI Compass for Education’ in Strasbourg, France.
The event, titled ‘Ensuring Quality Education in the AI Era’, marked an important step in shaping international policy and cooperation on AI integration within education systems. It was organised by the Education Department of the Council of Europe and brought together policy makers, educators, academics, experts, members of the tech sector, and of civil society to discuss the future use of AI in the education context.
“It was a privilege to represent SETU and Ireland at the Council of Europe. Sharing our work on GenAI:N3 with a global audience is a huge opportunity for collaboration and idea sharing with our colleagues across Europe. GenAI:N3 brings together diverse expertise, ensuring that our collective response to the challenges and opportunities of AI in education is both coordinated and impactful. At a European level, it demonstrates how partnership and openness can drive quality, equity, and innovation in the AI era.”
Dr Hazel Farrell, Academic Lead for GeniAI at SETU.
Dr Farrell presented on the GenAI:N3 national network, highlighting it as a leading example of collaborative impact in the age of AI. She outlined how Ireland’s technological universities are working together to address the complex challenges facing the higher education sector, setting the stage for a policy lab discussion that brought together government representatives, educators, students, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders.
Dr Farrell was joined by Ken McCarthy, Head of the Centre for Academic Practice at SETU, for further working sessions at the conference. These sessions focused on informing and influencing political discourse on AI and education across the Council of Europe member states, with a strong emphasis on ensuring quality education and maintaining a human-centred approach in the digital era.