Explore the Future of Education and Generative AI at the GenAIEdu August 2025 conference.
Join us in exploring the cutting-edge world of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Whether you are an educator, researcher, teacher, student or industry professional, this conference is your gateway to understanding how generative AI is revolutionising the way we learn, teach, research and assess.
The theme of this three day conference is exploring the challenges, practicalities, pitfalls, and opportunities of implementing Generative AI in education with talks on strategic leadership, learning design and practical usage in a real world context.
You will learn about cutting-edge technologies and large language models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, Copilot(s) and Agents and the opportunities and challenges of using these technologies practically and ethically.
Understand how these tools and natural language processing capabilities enable personalized and interactive learning experiences through a series of workshops, demonstrations, talks, discussion panels and networking events with leading academics, researchers and experts in this area.
The 5th National Conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education is organised by the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems and South West College and funded by BRING I.T. ON. and Connected NI.
There are two new additions to the August conference, AI in Research and the inaugural AI in Education awards, which will celebrate and showcase best practice in the use of AI in the classroom (TBC).
Register now as places are limited.
Speakers
Schedule (subject to change)
- Day 1 Workshops (26th)
- Day 2 Main Conference (27th)
- Day 3 Main Conference (28th)
- AI in Education Awards
| Time | Talk/Activity |
|---|---|
| 8.30am – 9.00am | Registration BC-00-211 Foyer Tea/coffee BC-LG-207 Foyer |
|
9.00am - 10.45am
Room TBC | WORKSHOP A: Beginner’s Guide to AI with exploration of the State of the Art. Presenter - TBC This workshop will include an introduction to Generative AI with a number of practical exercises to get you started. You will be provided with links and materials to adapt for your own purposes, to help get acquainted with generative AI tools, and consider if and how you may incorporate using them into your everyday life, whether professional or personal. Bring your own device. |
| 11.15am - 1pm Room TBC | WORKSHOP B: AI in the Classroom Presenter - Merlyn Origin Practical use of Merlyn Origin and responsible AI in the Classroom Bring your own device. |
| 1pm - 2pm | Lunch BC-LG-207 Foyer |
| 2pm - 4pm Room TBC | WORKSHOP C: AI in research. Presenter - Dr Dan Soule This workshop will explore the use of Generative AI in research with a number of practical exercises to get you started. You will be provided with links and materials to adapt for your own purposes, to help get acquainted with generative AI tools, and consider if and how you may incorporate using them into your research. Bring your own device. |
|
2pm - 3pm Room TBC | WORKSHOP D: - Limited places – First come/first served AI Play’ Level 2: Considering Assessment Redesign. Room TBC Introduction to pedagogical custom AI tools. Room TBC Presenters - Dr. Hazel Farrell & Ken McCarthy The ongoing developments of AI technology continue to impact significantly on the education sector with a strong focus on academic integrity and assessment. This workshop will give participants a space to discuss concerns around AI and assessment and explore alternative approaches. Areas of focus will include risk associated with typical assessment types, the reliability of AI detection tools, and current research on student use of AI. Come and join us to delve into the narrative in this hands-on session where we will guide you in the use of selected AI tools to inform and enhance your practices. There are limited places for this session. After registering for the workshops, email sceis@ulster.ac.uk with the email subject heading GenAIEdu WORKSHOP D booking to secure your place. Places are allocated on a first come/first served basis. Bring your own device. |
|
2pm - 3.30pm Room TBC | WORKSHOP E: Introduction to pedagogical custom AI tools. Presenter - Jonathan Sansom This workshop will explore the practical use and deployment of pedagogical custom AI tools for use in the classroom. Bring your own device. |
| 3pm - 4pm Room TBC | WORKSHOP F: Turn your Specification into an activity workbook/Assessment Presenter - Joanne McGovern This workshop will explore the practicalities of practical assessment design. Bring your own device. |
Note: For some of these sessions you will be encouraged to sign-up for a few generative AI tools so you can become familiar with them, their differences and limitations. Some of these tools require your personal details such as an email address and a mobile phone number to create an account and access the tool. Before signing up for any third-party tool, please carefully read its privacy policy. If you would prefer not to register with any of these tools, please let the workshop organisers know in advance. In this eventuality you can follow along in the sessions. Some of these sessions have limited spaces which will be allocated on a first come – first served basis. |
| Time | Talk/Activity |
|---|---|
8.30am – 9.00am | Registration BC-00-211 Foyer Tea/coffee BC-LG-207 Foyer Main venue BC-LG-211 |
9.00am - 9.15am | Welcome and opening remarks |
9.15am – 10.15am | Keynote 1 Beyond Adoption: Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI Dr Hazel Farrell (South East Technological University) |
10.15am – 10.45am | From Hypothesis to Evidence: Rigorously Testing Generative AI for Accurate Assessment Marking Sean Murtagh |
10.45am – 11.15am | Tea & coffee break BC-LG-207 Foyer |
11.15am – 11.45am | Transforming Learning, Celebrating Collaboration: The Impact of N-TUTORR and GenAI:N3 on the Irish Technological University Sector Ken McCarthy (South East Technological University) |
11.45am - 12.45pm | Keynote 2 Can we keep students out of the Cognitive Valley? Educator-Led GenAI Design with Copilot Studio Jonathan Sansom (Hills Road Sixth Form College Cambridge) |
12.45 pm - 1.45pm | Lunch and networking BC-LG-207 Foyer |
1.45pm - 2.15pm | The S.E.C.U.R.E. GenAI Use Framework for Staff: Development and Implementation Associate Professor Mark A. Bassett (Charles Sturt University – remote talk) |
2.15pm - 2.45pm | GLAT: The Generative AI Literacy Assessment Test Yueqiao Jin and Lixiang Yan (Monash University - remote talk) |
2.45pm – 3.15pm | Reimagining Case Writing: How AI is Transforming Problem-Based Learning in Medical Education Dr Enjy Abouzeid (Ulster University) |
3.15pm - 4.00pm | Pedagogy for the AI native: Teaching GenZ and Alpha learners in the Age of Intelligence. Joanne McGovern (South West College) |
| 4.00pm - 4.45pm | PANEL DISCUSSION AI in Education |
| Time | Talk/Activity |
|---|---|
8.30am – 9.00am | Registration BC-00-211 Foyer Tea/coffee BC-LG-207 Foyer Main venue BC-LG-211 |
9.00am – 9.45am | AI Policy Opportunities and Challenges in Northern Ireland Professor Stephen Farry (Ulster University) |
9.45am – 10.45am | AI in Research Dr Dan Soule Grammatology Ltd |
10.45am – 11.15am | Tea & coffee break BC-LG-207 Foyer |
11.15am - 12.15pm | Keynote 3 From AI Shortcuts to Authentic Learning: Rediscovering the Purpose of Higher Education Dr Caroline Clewley (AI futurist, Imperial College London) |
12.15pm - 1.00pm | Responsible Generative AI with Adobe Express Nicole O'Connor (Community Lead, Adobe Express for Education) |
1.00pm – 2.00pm | Lunch and networking BC-LG-207 Foyer Meet the award winners |
2.00pm – 3.00 pm | Keynote 4 Getting real with AI in assessment Professor Danny Liu (University of Sydney – remote talk) |
3.00pm – 5.00pm | Prize giving Short presentations by AI in Education award winners |
5.00pm | Conference close |
Unlock Innovation with AI
Enter the AI in Education Excellence Awards
Are you an individual educator or part of a team harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform teaching, learning, or school operations? Whether you've developed an inspiring AI-powered project, implemented cutting-edge software, or created innovative training programmes, we want to hear from you.
The inaugural AI in Education Excellence Awards is your chance to showcase your pioneering work and gain recognition among peers and industry experts at the Fifth National Conference on Generative AI in Education, which will take place in-person from August 26th – 28th 2025 at Ulster University, York Street, Belfast campus.
Why Enter?
- Celebrate your achievements and inspire others
- Connect with a community of AI-focused educators
- Gain visibility through conference presentations and media
Who Can Enter?
All educators, administrators, technical support staff or instructional designers, learning technologists, students (with parental consent) working or studying in schools, colleges or university teams, on the island of Ireland, actively using or developing AI in education at any level.
How to Enter
Submit your project description, with link to shared supporting materials, and optional video link by 17 August 2025 using the Microsoft Form here.
Full details on the competition, including expanded categories, can be downloaded.
Quick overview
- What: AI in Education Excellence Awards - Celebrating innovative AI use in education
- Where: National Conference on Generative AI in Education, Ulster University Belfast
- When: August 26-28, 2025 (Awards Ceremony: August 28th)
- Who: Educators, administrators, support staff, and students on the island of Ireland
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
August 17, 2025 (11pm) | Application Deadline |
Week beginning August 18, 2025 | Winners Notified |
August 26-28, 2025 | Conference (Belfast) |
August 28, 2025 | Awards Ceremony & Presentations |
Eligibility
- Educators, administrators, technical staff, instructional designers, learning technologists, students (with consent)
- Working in schools, colleges, or universities on the island of Ireland
- Actively using or developing AI in education
- MUST be able to attend Belfast conference on August 28th, 2025
- MUST present project (10 minutes) at conference
8 award categories
- Best Custom AI Educational Software - Built/customised AI tools
- Best AI Tool Integration in Teaching - Creative use of existing AI (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.)
- Best AI Implementation in School Operations - Administrative/management AI
- Best AI-Personalised Learning System - Adaptive learning platforms
- Most Ethical Use of AI in Education - Responsible AI practices
- Best Cross-Disciplinary AI Integration - Multi-subject AI projects
- Rising Star Educator in AI - Individual educator recognition
- Best AI Training/Professional Development - AI education programs
What the winners get
- Personalised engraved award (1 per team)
- FREE 3-day conference registration (max 2 registrations per winning team)
- Recognition at conference and in media
- Platform to present and inspire others
No cash prizes
Submission requirements - online
- Apply and submit using online form (link below).
- Maximum 3 categories (separate entries required)
- No email submissions accepted, only application(s) submitted through form are valid and accepted.
- Word Limits: 300-800 words per form section (see full guidelines)
- Required: Link to download (from OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) a single PDF or Word document of supporting material (max 15 pages + appendices + links) containing 3-5 high-quality images showing your AI tool in action, charts, graphs, or tables supporting your impact claims, user testimonials ( 2-3 quotes from users, students, teachers, administrators), user manuals, technical specifications, research papers, media coverage, articles, blog posts, or other coverage of your project etc
- The following naming conventions are required for the uploaded supporting material document [Category][Institution][ProjectTitle]_2025.pdf or equivalent Word document.
- Link to optional but recommended: 5-8 minute video of project overview and demonstration. PRIVATE YouTube/Vimeo link
| Criterion | Weight | What Judges Look For |
|---|---|---|
Innovation | 25% | How novel and creative is your AI application? |
Impact | 25% | Measurable effect on learning, teaching and operations? |
Usability & Accessibility | 15% | Easy to use and accessible to all users? |
Ethical Considerations | 15% | Privacy, fairness, responsible AI use? |
Scalability & Sustainability | 10% | Can it be adopted more widely? |
Presentation Quality | 10% | Clear, professional submission? |
Critical requirements
Mandatory conference attendance.
- All winners MUST attend the physical conference in Belfast on August 28, 2025, to present project. If you cannot attend and present, please DO NOT APPLY as the award will be withdrawn.
No confidential data
- Do not submit any personally identifiable information, sensitive, or confidential data in your application.
Judges' decisions are final
- No feedback provided except to winners. No appeals or further discussions. Judges are independent of conference and have no affiliation to Ulster University.
Contact and support
All application and award queries should be sent to AIinEducationExcellenceAwards@gmail.com with the email subject heading AI in Education Excellence Awards Query.
Before you apply
- Download and carefully read the full guidelines and FAQ
- Confirm you can attend the Belfast conference
- Gather your impact data and evidence
- Choose appropriate category(s) and plan your submission timeline
Full details on the competition, including expanded categories, can be downloaded.
Please note these independent awards are not endorsed, sponsored or have any involvement or relationship with either Ulster University or Bring It On.
Registration
Registrations for the 5th National Conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education Conference (GenAiEdu August 2025) are now open.
The conference starts with optional workshops on Tuesday 26th August. The main conference takes place on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August.
Some of the workshop sessions have limited spaces and capacity. Places will be allocated on a first come – first served basis.
Pre-registration for the workshops DOES NOT guarantee a place on all sessions and by registering you agree to this possibility.
Ticket options
- Ticket 1: Workshop day attendance – Tuesday 26th August £50
- Ticket 2: Ulster undergraduate student Workshop day attendance – Tuesday 26th £0
- Ticket 3: Main Conference attendance – Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August £140
- Ticket 4: Ulster undergraduate student - Main Conference attendance – Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August £0
Note: Valid Ulster University UNDERGRADUATE Student ID required at conference registration for ticket options 2 and 4.
For flexibility, if you wish to attend both the workshops and main conference you must purchase the tickets separately.
Refund Policy
Refunds are available up until the Monday 18th August 2025 to facilitate conference planning.
After this date no refunds are available but registration transfers will be considered on an individual and case by case basis.
Before finally submitting your registration, please check your order carefully as changes made to bookings after an invoice has been raised will be subject to an administration charge of £25 per change made.
By purchasing a registration you agree to these terms and conditions.
If you do notice that you have made a mistake please notify us by email immediately.
All registration queries should be sent to sceis@ulster.ac.uk with the email subject heading GenAIEdu registration query.
Venue
Ulster University
BC-LG-211, Belfast campus, BC Building
York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
Find us on Google
Find out where we are
Discover the Belfast campus
Ulster University Belfast is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the Belfast's Cathedral Quarter.
Visit our Belfast Campus site to find out more about the campus location.
Your Conference Room
This specialist lecture theatre hosts 350 seats with accessible seating available on the lower ground and along the open spaces from the top entrances to the theatre.
Accommodation
Recommended Hotel
Ramada Belfast, Saint Anne’s Square, 20 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD
Tel: + 44 (0) 28 9026 1800
Em: sales@ramadabelfasthotel.com
Organisers
The GenAiEdu August 2025 conference is organised by the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment with the South West College and funded by BRING I.T.ON and hosted on the Belfast campus.
Conference chairs
- Michael Callaghan, Joanne McGovern
Local Organising Committee
- Professor Jim Harkin
- Elaine Duffy
- Cheryl Mullan
- Dr Karl McCreadie
- Tiernan FitzLarkin
Partners
