Conference Agenda

The agenda outlines the day’s key sessions, including expert keynotes, panel discussions, and spotlight presentations. Please check back for the latest updates and additions closer to the date.

9.00 – 10.00

Registration

Tea, Coffee, and Networking

10.00 – 10.20

Opening Remarks

Master of Ceremonies, Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Health and Wellbeing at the Higher Education Authority.

10.20 – 11.00

Keynote Address I

Navigating the Triple Challenges of Practice, Diversity, and Technological Change
Professor Sir Chris Husbands (United Kingdom)
Academic, educationist, university leader and public servant

11.00 – 11.30

Networking Break

Poster Showcase
Featuring innovative research and practices from Higher Education Institutions. Tea, Coffee, and Pastries served.

11.30 – 12.30

Panel Discussion

Leading Innovation in Teaching and Learning for Higher Education – From Policy to Practice
Chaired by Professor Marie Clarke, Chair of the Higher Education Authority Student Engagement and Teaching & Learning (SETL) Committee

Panel Members

Frances O’Connell, Vice President Student Education and Experience, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

Dr Ciarán Dunne, Transversal Skills Director for Dublin City University (DCU)

Ronan Cahill, President of UL Student Life, University of Limerick (UL)

Roisín Morris-Drennan, Senior Manager, Research & Innovation at Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, Teaching & Learning, and System Development & Performance Management, Higher Education Authority (HEA)

12.30 – 13.00

Executive Briefing

Latest updates on ongoing initiatives and strategic priorities from HEA Teaching and Learning

Mr Colin Lowry, Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Enhancement and Digital Innovation, Higher Education Authority

Dr Mark Kelly, T&L Policy Advisor for Education for Sustainable Development, Higher Education Authority

Dr Sharon McGreevy, T&L Policy Advisory for Professional Development, Recognition, and the Impact of Teaching and Learning, Higher Education Authority

Dr James O’Sullivan, T&L Policy Advisory for Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning, Higher Education Authority

Ms Rebecca Roper, T&L Policy Advisory for Student Success, Higher Education Authority

13.00 – 14.00

Networking Lunch

Lunch served in the STIR Restaurant

14.00 – 14.40

Keynote Address II

Teachers in the educational ecosystems – professional development in changing conditions
Professor Hannele Niemi (Republic of Finland) Professor of Education and Research Director at the University of Helsinki, UNESCO Chair on Educational Ecosystems for Equity and Quality of Learning.

14.40 – 15.50

Spotlight Presentations

N-TUTORR: initial reflections on the impact of a 2 year programme of transformation across the TU sector
Dr Sharon Flynn, National Coordinator N-TUTORR Programme

Scaling New Heights in Ireland: ALTITUDE The National Charter for Universal Design in Irish Tertiary Education
Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching & Learning and Maureen Haran, Lecturer in UDL, Atlantic Technological University

Transitions & Student Success Strategy at TUS
Dr Owen Ross, Head of Transitions and Student Success and Frances O’Connell, Vice President Student Education and Experience, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Are You AI Ready? Investigating AI Tools in Higher Education
Ms Orla Daly, Technology Enhanced Learning Manager, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin
Mr Liam Fogarty, Technology Enhanced Learning Manager, College of Social Sciences and Law, University College Dublin

Education for Sustainable Development at TU Dublin
Dr Brian Gormley, Head of Sustainability Education, Technological University Dublin

Digital Futures
Dr Sarah Thelen, Programme Coordinator for Digital Education, Continuing Professional Development, University College Cork

Virtual Labs HCI P3 Initiative
Professor Denise Rooney, Head of Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University

Cultivating Academic Integrity at University of Galway
Dr Justin Tonra, Associate Professor and Academic Integrity Officer, University of Galway

15.50 – 16.00

Closing Remarks

Reflection of the Day’s Insights and Future Direction for Teaching and Learning, Policy, Innovation, and Student Engagement in Higher Education
Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, Teaching & Learning, and System Development & Performance Management, Higher Education Authority (HEA)