Last week, the ASIIN Global Conference 2023 brought together thought leaders, educators, and industry experts for a transformative exploration of the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. Hosted at the University of Digital Science in Potsdam, Germany, the event took place from November 30 to December 1, 2023.

With a theme of "Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education – a World of Opportunity or Serious Risk?" the conference aimed to dissect the current landscape of AI in academia. It drew attention to the transformative power of AI, its influence on daily life, and the dynamic discussions it has ignited regarding benefits, challenges, consequences, and potential risks, especially since the introduction of ChatGPT at the end of 2022.

The conference primarily targeted representatives from the higher education community, quality management staff of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and professionals from the international business community and political stakeholders. Distinguished speakers and experts in the field of AI delivered state-of-the-art insights, setting the stage for crucial conversations, among them for example Eve Alcock (Quality Assurance for Higher Education, QAA), Mike Bernd (Head of content AI Campus at Stifterverband), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Krafczyk (Vice President for Digitalisation and Sustainability of Technical University of Braunschweig) and Dr. Jannica Budde (Senior Project Manager at Centre for Higher Education, CHE).

As AI increasingly reshapes higher education, discussions encompassed its impact on research, teaching and learning (including assessment), administration, and quality assurance. Participants engaged in critical analyses of the implications of AI tools on learning and teaching, emphasizing the broader role of Higher Education Institutions in addressing the societal impact of these technologies.

Drawing on insights from the esteemed speakers in the AI community, the conference facilitated discussions on the best strategies for dealing with the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in higher education. Key topics included the potential revolution of the sector through enhanced learning environments, internal processes, and quality management. The discussions also addressed concerns related to existing regulations, data protection, and the imperative of successfully introducing AI tools while ensuring a smooth transition to their proper use.

The conference's agenda featured engaging presentations, plenary sessions, and forum discussions, providing a platform for in-depth dialogue among participants actively contributed to the conversations, further enriching the understanding of the complex interplay between AI and higher education.

The ASIIN Global Conference 2023 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue about the transformative potential of AI in higher education, shaping the future of learning, research, and societal impact.