EDEN 2026 Conference Spotlights Human-AI Partnerships in Digital Higher Education
The EDEN 2026 Annual Conference, held in Porto, Portugal from 14 to 16 June, brought together educators, researchers and institutional leaders to examine how human-AI partnerships are reshaping digital higher education across Europe. Hosted by the University of Porto’s Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, the event centred on the theme “Beyond Technology: Human-AI Collaboration for Learning and Teaching”. Participants explored practical ways AI can support rather than supplant human creativity, agency and connection in university settings.
Background on EDEN and the 2026 Theme
EDEN Digital Learning Europe serves as Europe’s leading network for advancing digital education. Its annual conference has long provided a forum for discussing distance and e-learning developments. This year’s focus moved explicitly beyond tools to relational intelligence, co-creation and ethical integration of AI in higher education institutions. Key themes included institutional transformation, relational pedagogies, ethics and trust, student agency, and innovative assessment practices.
Keynote Addresses and Spotlight Sessions
Luis Paulo Reis of the University of Porto delivered a keynote titled “From Tools to Teammates: Agentic AI and the Future of Human–AI Collaboration in Education”. He outlined how agentic AI systems capable of planning and adaptation can augment learner-centred pedagogies while preserving human values. Inge de Waard followed with reflections on preserving humanity amid AI-driven changes in universities. Spotlight sessions addressed European policy initiatives for AI literacy and questions around whether AI is quietly redesigning educational practices.
Institutional Transformation and Capacity Building
Discussions highlighted models for safe human-AI integration in universities. Speakers emphasised visual frameworks for change and capacity-building programmes that help staff navigate collaboration with AI tools. European higher education institutions shared examples of professional development initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive digital futures.
Pedagogical Innovations and Relational Dimensions
Relational pedagogies took centre stage, with emphasis on learner-centred design and teacher wellbeing. Participants examined how AI can personalise learning experiences while maintaining meaningful human connections. Case studies from across Europe illustrated shifts in the teacher’s role from content deliverer to facilitator of AI-augmented learning.
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Ethics, Trust and Academic Integrity
Ethics and integrity formed a major thread. Sessions addressed maintaining trust in digital environments and upholding academic standards amid generative AI tools. Practical guidance emerged on transparent assessment design and ethical decision-making frameworks suitable for European universities.
Student Agency and Engagement Strategies
Student partnership models were explored as a way to support meaningful AI engagement. Delegates discussed building purpose and identity in AI-infused educational contexts, ensuring learners retain agency rather than becoming passive users of technology.
Research, Assessment and Micro-Credentials
Innovative approaches to research with AI tools and digital assessment featured prominently. Micro-credentials were presented as flexible pathways that align with human-AI collaborative learning. The conference underscored the need for evidence-based practices that integrate AI responsibly into evaluation processes.
Awards and Recognition at EDEN 2026
The EDEN Best Research Paper Award recognised outstanding contributions on human-AI themes. Fellow and Senior Fellow awards honoured individuals advancing digital education, including recipients from Italian and Irish institutions. These accolades highlighted ongoing European leadership in the field.
Implications for European Higher Education
The conference outcomes point to a future where universities across Europe prioritise human-centred AI strategies. Institutions are encouraged to invest in ethical frameworks, staff development and inclusive technologies that enhance rather than diminish the human elements of learning.
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Future Outlook and Actionable Insights
Looking ahead, EDEN 2026 reinforced calls for collaborative policy development at national and EU levels. Universities can begin by auditing current AI use, piloting relational pedagogy projects and fostering cross-institutional networks. These steps will help build resilient higher education systems prepared for continued technological evolution.
