From 1–3 October 2025, the 28th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL) and the 54th IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy convened in Budapest, Hungary, under the theme “Innovation via Collaborative Learning in Engineering Education.”
As one of the IAOE’s long-standing partner conferences, ICL offers a global forum for discussing remote laboratories, digital learning technologies, and modern approaches to engineering pedagogy. The event is organized in cooperation with the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP), a leading organization in the advancement of engineering education worldwide (https://igip.org).
The 2025 edition featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, each offering a forward-looking perspective on the transformation of engineering education:
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Prof. Denis Gillet (EPFL, Switzerland) — “From Learning to Thinking: Techno-Pedagogical Design and Open Educational Resources at the Age of AI”
Gillet discussed how digital tools and generative AI can foster blended learning and strengthen transversal skills such as critical thinking and digital literacy. Drawing on his leadership of the Swiss Digital Skills Academy and Graasp.org, he presented experiments showing how intelligent agents can support collaborative design and reflective learning.
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Dr. Michael K. J. Milligan (Executive Director and CEO of ABET, USA) — “Lifelong Learning: The Continuous Pursuit of Knowledge and Skills in Engineering Education”
Milligan emphasized the growing importance of lifelong learning, micro-credentials, and professional development in an era of rapid technological change. He urged institutions and educators to embrace flexible educational models that combine academic rigor with ongoing skill renewal, reflecting ABET’s global commitment to quality and adaptability in engineering education.
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Dr. Balázs Vince Nagy (Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary; President of SEFI) — “SEFI – The European Platform for Engineering Education: Current Challenges and Opportunities”
Nagy highlighted SEFI’s mission to advance and connect engineering educators across Europe, addressing urgent topics such as the skills gap, the rise of AI, sustainability, and the UN SDGs. He called for closer collaboration among universities, industry, and policy-makers to prepare engineers for the complex challenges of a rapidly changing technosociety.
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Prof. Dr. em. Dana Dobrovská (Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic) — “Students’ Attitudes Towards AI in Teaching and Learning”
Dobrovská presented results from a large-scale study involving 2,346 students from eight technical faculties on their use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in education. The research explored familiarity, ethical considerations, and perceived benefits and drawbacks of AI-assisted learning, as well as teachers’ openness to integrating such technologies. Her keynote underscored that, as J. Biggs observed, “technical innovations are hardly acceptable unless accepted by their users.”
Several IAOE members contributed actively to the Budapest conference, presenting research on remote and cross-reality laboratories, AI-driven learning environments, and data-informed teaching innovation. Their participation reflects IAOE’s ongoing mission to advance online experimentation and promote global collaboration in engineering and technology education.
During the event, the organizers also announced the next ICL-IGIP Conference 2026, which will be held in Cologne, Germany, from 22–25 September 2026. The announcement was made by Vanessa Mai (TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences) and Dominik May (IAOE President, University of Wuppertal). With Cologne’s rich academic landscape, international accessibility, and vibrant cultural atmosphere, the 2026 edition promises to be a dynamic hub for researchers, educators, and industry professionals shaping the future of interactive and collaborative learning.
IAOE is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with IGIP and the ICL conference series, fostering innovation, global collaboration, and excellence in engineering and technology education worldwide.
Call to Action
Stay connected and learn more about upcoming ICL-IGIP events at ICL Clearinghouse. Further information about the coming conference edition will follow soon.
Vanessa Mai and Dominik May presenting the next ICL IGIP Conference 2026:
