Lisbon, Portugal – July 9–10, 2025 – The ExcellCity project proudly participated in the inaugural International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, a landmark event held at the ISEC Higher Institute of Education and Sciences in Lisbon. This dynamic forum, jointly chaired by Maria José Sousa of ISCTE and Kevin J. Vaughn of the University of California, Riverside (UCR), brought together global pioneers to explore the transformative power of AI in learning and teaching.
The conference was a beacon for innovation, fostering crucial dialogues and collaborations that will shape the future of AI-enhanced education. ExcellCity seized this unique opportunity to contribute to the cutting-edge discussions, particularly highlighting the intersection of AI in education with the development of Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, a core focus of our project.
The program was expertly structured around six compelling thematic streams, delving into both the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in education. ExcellCity's engagement was particularly relevant to discussions on:
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Artificial Intelligence in Education: Exploring how AI can personalize learning, empower educators through intelligent tutoring systems, and automate assessments, directly aligning with ExcellCity's commitment to smart educational solutions within urban environments.
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Educational Technologies: Examining how cutting-edge tech solutions enhance engagement and learning outcomes, offering a platform for ExcellCity to share insights on digital transformation for urban education.
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New Pedagogies: Reimagining education through innovative approaches, where ExcellCity's vision for smart cities naturally extends to fostering critical thinking and student agency in AI-enhanced learning spaces.
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AI and Ethics: Tackling crucial questions of fairness, privacy, and transparency in AI systems, echoing ExcellCity's dedication to developing trustworthy, human-centred AI tools that respect the rights and dignity of citizens in smart cities.
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AI-Driven Global Education: Highlighting how AI can support international learning, cultural exchange, and accessibility, a key aspect of building interconnected and inclusive smart urban communities.
ExcellCity's Contributions to the Conference
The following members of the ExcellCity consortium participated in the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, contributing to Work Package 2 (R&I Twinning Activities) and Work Package 4 (Dissemination) through these impactful papers:
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"Advancements and Limitations of Decentralised AI in Education" – Tamara Ristovska, Lyubomir Gotsev, Genadiy Gospodinov, Eugenia Kovatcheva, and Boyan Jekov.
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"Explainable AI in Education: Evaluating Its Effect on Trust, Feedback Usefulness, and Learning Outcomes" – Genadiy Gospodinov, Tamara Ristovska, Lyubomir Gotsev, Krasimir Traykov, and Eugenia Kovatcheva.
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"AI Tools as a Means of Creating Multimedia Educational Content on Quantum Technologies" – Mariana Filipova, Genadiy Gospodinov, Lyubomir Gotsev, Eugenia Kovatcheva, Boyan Jekov, and Tamara Ristovska.
📘 The proceedings book with the results of the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education is available at the link:
Conference FUTURES2025 Book of Proceedings
The full papers will be published in a book by Springer or Taylor & Francis later.
The conference provided an invaluable platform for ExcellCity researchers to engage with leading experts, share groundbreaking ideas, and forge new partnerships. The insights gained from this conference, particularly regarding the role of AI in educational transformation, will directly inform ExcellCity's ongoing work in developing sustainable and intelligent urban solutions.
By connecting advancements in AI in education with the grand challenges of climate neutrality and smart cities, ExcellCity is actively shaping a future where technology empowers both learning and urban living for the benefit of all.
