09:00–10:00 Registration
10:00–10:15 Inaugural session
Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia
Dace Melbārde, Minister for Education and Science
10:15–10:35 Acting Under Conditions of Uncertainty
Gundars Bērziņš, Professor and Rector of the University of Latvia
10:35–12:00 Transforming the Architecture of the Education System – Towards Personalized Solutions
The advancement of technology and the evolving learning habits of different generations have introduced significant transformations within the education system. One possible development scenario involves a shift from a predetermined, uniform, and linear model of learning towards a more flexible approach, tailored to individual interests and needs, and integrating diverse forms and opportunities for learning. Such a transition necessitates a reconsideration of both the structure and the operating principles of higher education, as well as of the broader educational ecosystem. Potential future opportunities and challenges will be examined from both Latvian and international perspectives, as well as through the lens of the philosophy of education.
- Mārcis Auziņš, Professor and Chair of UL Council
- Tracey Burns, Chief Research Officer at the National Center on Education and the Economy, USA
- Zanda Rubene, Professor and Director of UL Doctoral School
12:00–13:00 Lunch and networking
13:00–14:30 Interdisciplinary Learning – A Gain or Loss of Competence?
In many parts of the world, both schools and higher education institutions are increasingly adopting approaches that integrate knowledge and skills from diverse fields within curricula and study programmes. Consequently, less time is devoted to in-depth study within a single discipline, while greater emphasis is placed on modelling the complexity and diversity of real-world situations beyond educational settings. This session will examine the development of interdisciplinary scenarios from multiple perspectives, including their integration into the content and structure of higher education programmes, collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs, and their impact on the development of school curricula.
- Kristīne Strada-Rozenberga, Professor and UL Vice-Rector for Studies
- Stefan Kooij, Associate Professor, University of Twente,
- Sonja Borst, Educational Consultant, University of Twente
- Otto Olavinen, Impact Coordinator, Biodesign Finland Initiative, Aalto University
- Ernests Jenavs, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Startup Association Startin.LV
14:30–15:00 Coffee break and networking
15:00–16:30 Educational Technologies and Learning – How to Use Them Wisely? – organised in cooperation with the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO
The rapid development and widespread availability of educational technologies – particularly generative artificial intelligence tools based on large language models– have posed significant challenges to established teaching and learning processes. A clear understanding and effective management of the benefits and risks associated with these tools has become an urgent priority, requiring prompt and considered action. In this session, experts will outline scenarios for the effective integration of educational technologies into the learning process, simultaneously seeking to mitigate, as far as possible, the risks identified in research within the cognitive sciences.
Linda Daniela, Professor and Dean of UL Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology
Jurģis Šķilters, Professor and Head of UL Laboratory for Perceptual and Cognitive Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology
Mark West, Futures of Education Lead, UNESCO Future of Learning and Innovation Division
Event Moderator: Miks Dzenis, Expert, UL Study Innovation Unit
