EDUCON 2025 Fosters Innovation and Inclusivity in Engineering Education

Professor Colin Bailey Emphasises AI's Potential in Education at EDUCON 2025

The EDUCON 2025 conference was described as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing in engineering education and research. Chaired by Dr. Usman Naeem, Reader in Computer Science Education at Queen Mary University of London, the event reportedly brought together over 430 participants, including educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference served as a venue to discuss advancements and address pressing challenges in the field.

Hosted by IEEE, the global leader in advancing technology for humanity, EDUCON 2025 marked its 16th edition and the first time it was held in the United Kingdom. Attendees explored the theme "Sustaining Educational Excellence in Engineering: Generative AI in Enhancing Critical Thinking and Active Learning" through keynotes, research presentations, workshops, and technical sessions. These discussions highlighted the influence of Generative AI on teaching, engagement, and career preparedness.

Professor Colin Bailey, CBE, President of Queen Mary, opened the conference by underscoring the importance of technology in education and the need to teach students how to use AI effectively while understanding its limitations. He expressed pride in Queen Mary hosting EDUCON for the first time in the UK, noting it as evidence of the university’s leadership in AI and quality education. Dr. Naeem, General Chair of the event, reportedly described Queen Mary as an ideal host, citing its tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. He emphasised the importance of advancing knowledge and fostering diversity, aligning with EDUCON's mission.

He also highlighted his commitment to providing students with the same forward-thinking education he had experienced as a Queen Mary graduate. Further, he stressed the role of educators in integrating emerging technologies such as AI while ensuring they enhance learning without compromising critical skills. This theme was reportedly central to the conference’s discussions. The event featured the first Women in Engineering poster session, showcasing initiatives and research aimed at empowering women in STEM. Topics included teaching strategies, workplace policies, and case studies on improving access, success, and retention in engineering education and academia. Additionally, awards were presented during the conference.

Dr. Susan Lord from the University of San Diego received the EDUCON Meritorious Service Award for her exceptional contributions, while keynote speakers Professor Rupert Wegerif from the University of Cambridge and Tahir Ahmed, Vice President of Customer Delivery and Operations for Europe at Nokia, were honoured for their impactful participation. The conference was recognised as an important step forward in uniting experts and fostering innovation in engineering education.

Editor's Note

The EDUCON 2025 conference has reaffirmed its significance as a global hub for advancing engineering education and research. Hosted for the first time in the United Kingdom and chaired by Dr. Usman Naeem, the event showcased the transformative potential of emerging technologies like Generative AI in shaping critical thinking and active learning. Through its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence, the conference fostered meaningful dialogue among educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, highlighting the shared mission of enhancing educational outcomes. As engineering education evolves, initiatives such as the Women in Engineering session and forward-thinking policy discussions demonstrate the importance of embracing diversity and innovation. 

Skoobuzz believes that by uniting a diverse academic community and addressing pressing challenges, EDUCON 2025 set a new benchmark in fostering collaboration and inspiring progress in engineering education.