The EUNIS 2025 Congress offers a rich and varied programme designed to inspire, connect, and inform professionals driving digital transformation in higher education. Each day combines keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and parallel sessions featuring insights from across Europe and beyond.
In addition to the three core content tracks of the EUNIS Congress – learning, teaching and research (LTR), governance, policy and strategy (GPS), and information systems and digital transformation (ISDx) – each day will feature a special thematic track that explores a pressing area of innovation and transformation in higher education.
These thematic tracks are different from the standard tracks: they are designed to provide inspiration and new perspectives, showcasing real-world examples of how digital transformation is reshaping education and research. They focus on interdisciplinary challenges and opportunities, bringing together thought leaders, case studies, and practical insights.
For EUNIS 2025, these tracks reflect the congress title Connecting Communities, Empowering Creativity, and highlight how universities can lead in shaping the future of education across diverse domains.
Shaping the future of education: innovation and digital transformation in healthcare
The rapid advancement of digital healthcare technology is revolutionising how we educate, train and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. As AI-powered diagnostics, surgical robotics, wearable technology and digital health platforms become integral to modern medicine, educators must develop new approaches to ensure seamless integration into medical curricula and professional training. Additionally, entrepreneurship is emerging as a critical skill, enabling healthcare professionals to drive innovation and lead the transformation of the sector.
This thematic track will explore the intersection of education, digital transformation and entrepreneurship in healthcare, addressing key questions:
- How can academic institutions adapt curricula to prepare students for a tech-driven healthcare ecosystem?
- What role will AI, VR, AR and simulation-based learning play in medical education and training?
- How can digital learning platforms enhance skill development, lifelong learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration?
- What entrepreneurial skills do healthcare professionals need to innovate, commercialize and implement new technologies?
- How can universities foster a culture of innovation that supports digital health startups and research commercialization?
By examining digital healthcare as an example, this track will showcase how digital education, interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial ecosystems can empower students to become future-ready professionals and leaders in innovation-driven industries.
Creative industries and educational excellence: innovation in the digital age
Digital transformation is a catalyst for innovation, creativity and new forms of knowledge production. This thematic track explores how the creative industries, immersive learning and digital infrastructures are reshaping education, particularly within the fields of arts, design, media and creative technologies.
With a focus on Studio Ulster and other pioneering initiatives, this track will examine:
- How can immersive technologies such as VR, AR and AI reshape creative education and enhance practice-based learning?
- How can universities strengthen collaborations with the film, gaming, animation and digital media industries to create enriched student experiences and career pathways?
- How can universities integrate emerging technologies while preserving the core values of creativity, critical thinking and artistic expression in education?
- How can universities balance commercial partnerships with academic freedom and openness?
As the boundaries between education, technology and the creative industries continue to blur, this track will explore how universities can lead in shaping the future of creative education while fostering innovation, inclusivity and global collaboration.
Building inclusive and resilient digital communities in higher education
Higher education operates within a networked ecosystem, where collaboration across institutions, disciplines and cultures is essential for innovation and progress. This thematic track explores how universities can leverage digital transformation to build inclusive, connected and resilient communities that support international cooperation, diversity and well-being. Aligned with initiatives such as FOREU4ALL, UNIwell and other European University Alliances, this track will address:
- How can digital governance strategies enhance transparency, participation and inclusivity in higher education institutions?
- How can digital tools facilitate cross-border collaboration, fostering joint research, teaching as well as knowledge exchange among universities?
- How can technology be leveraged to bridge educational gaps, ensure accessibility and promote equity in higher education?
- What is the impact of digital education on student and staff well-being and how can institutions create a sense of belonging in online and hybrid learning environments?
- What are the best practices for developing resilient and sustainable digital infrastructures that support international academic networks?
As universities navigate an increasingly digital and interconnected world, this track will explore how higher education institutions can strengthen international alliances, empower communities and drive inclusive innovation to shape the future of learning and collaboration.