In the spirit of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the EUBA hosted the Danube Conference 2023 on November 9-10, building on its inception in 2017 at the Ulm University. Rooted in the ethos of sharing experiences and perspectives on emerging challenges, the conference has become a pivotal event in the academic calendar. The Quality Assurance Centre of the EUBA took the reins as the host, steering the international discourse toward ethical considerations in teaching and research and the transformative impact of AI on higher education.
True to its name, the Danube Conference centered its attention on institutions within the Danube region. Over two dynamic days, representatives from eight countries and ten diverse institutions presented their research papers. More than 20 educational institutions in Slovakia, along with counterparts from Europe and beyond, engaged in illuminating discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence in education and research, unraveling associated ethical quandaries.
The proliferation of AI-based tools has unlocked a realm of possibilities, ushering in novel and advanced research methodologies. However, this technological advancement has simultaneously given rise to ethical concerns, particularly pertaining to academic integrity. Zuzana Stožická from CTI SR highlighted the evolving challenges in scientific communication, while Alexandra Horobet from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies underscored the unethical practices of "paper mills," leading to a erosion of trust in research outcomes.
Notable speakers, including Miruna Mazurenku Pele, Troy Wiwczaroski, Mirijana Pejic Bach, Jozef Stevcik, and Nathalie Rupp, shared their experiences employing AI, notably GPT Chat, in educational settings. Witold Nowiński from Merito University in Poznan presented research findings on the use of Chat GPT by academics, and Professor Sudipta Sarangi from Virginia Tech shared insights from an economic experiment utilizing Chat GPT. Additionally, Oliver Vettori, Matej Bilík, and keynote speaker Senad Becirovic addressed the challenges posed by digital transformation for universities and the broader education sector.
The overarching message emanating from the discussions is one of optimism for the academic community. Despite the absence of a comprehensive strategy for AI implementation in higher education and research, the consensus is that AI presents significant opportunities. The key lies in judicious use, offering the potential for our graduates to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
For further details about the conference, please visit: https://conferences.euba.sk/danubeconference/
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