EAIR Cork Forum 2024:
A look back at this year's Forum

By Panourgias Papaioannou

The EAIR (European Association for Institutional Research) Cork Forum 2024 took place from the 21st to the 23rd of August at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, bringing together academics, researchers, and professionals from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and challenges in higher education. The Annual Forum, which serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas, best practices, and fostering international cooperation, marked its 46th edition in Cork, building on EAIR’s long-standing tradition of promoting higher education research and policy.

The event commenced with a warm welcome reception at the historic Aula Maxima, UCC’s ceremonial hall. Here, Professor Paul McSweeney, Vice President of Learning and Teaching at UCC, and Prof. dr. Marijk van der Wende, the President of EAIR, greeted the participants, setting the stage for what promised to be an engaging and impactful forum. They highlighted the importance of collaboration and wished attendees fruitful discussions throughout the event.

Day 1: Opening the Forum and Exploring Key Themes

The first full day of the forum, Thursday, 22nd of August, began with an Opening Address by Dr. Bruno Broucker, EAIR Chair, alongside the Cork Forum Track Chairs, Dr. Anne Gannon, Dr. Catherine O’Mahony, and Dr. Ruth Hally. Together, they introduced the central themes of the conference, outlining the diverse tracks that would explore issues such as sustainable management, innovation in teaching, and the growing importance of digitalization in higher education.

The first keynote of the day, delivered by Professor Ellen Hazelkorn, focused on the topic: “Linking Research Policy and Practice: How Well Are We Fulfilling EAIR’s Mission in Our Own Work?” Professor Hazelkorn’s thought-provoking address set a reflective tone for the conference, encouraging participants to critically assess the intersection of research, policy, and practical implementation in their own work within higher education.

Several track sessions followed, with discussions spanning a wide array of subjects. These included:

  • Sustainable strategic management and governance in Higher Education
    Innovation in teaching and learning
  • Sustaining research excellence
  • Sustaining resilient quality cultures
  • Embedding and sustaining digitalization
  • International and sustainable transnational cooperation
  • Sustaining staff and student wellbeing

Each session featured a mix of presentations, panels, and interactive discussions, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where attendees could share experiences, question prevailing models, and explore solutions to common challenges faced by institutions worldwide.

After a day of stimulating debates and networking, participants gathered at Cork City Hall’s Millennium Hall for the conference dinner. The elegant setting provided a perfect opportunity for informal exchanges, as delegates connected over dinner and celebrated the day’s achievements.

Day 2: Social Responsibility and Looking Ahead

The second day featured another highlight— the keynote address by Professor Rajesh Tandon. His talk, titled “Socially Responsible Higher Education: Re-engaging with Society,” challenged participants to reflect on the role universities play in their local communities and how they can engage more meaningfully with societal stakeholders. Professor Tandon’s message was clear: universities must not only be centers of learning and research but also actively contribute to societal well-being and address pressing social challenges.

The day continued with more track sessions, offering insights into topics such as sustainable professional practice, the integration of digital tools in education, and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing for both staff and students. These discussions reinforced the importance of developing resilient, adaptable institutions that can navigate the complexities of the modern educational landscape.

As the forum drew to a close, the Closing Address provided a moment of reflection and excitement for the future. It was officially announced that the 47th Annual EAIR Forum will take place at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, from the 27th to the 29th of August, 2025. The anticipation of gathering once again to continue these critical conversations signaled the ongoing commitment of EAIR and its members to advancing higher education research and policy.

A Heartfelt Thanks to UCC and the Organizing Team

The EAIR Cork Forum 2024 concluded with a deep sense of gratitude towards the organizing team at University College Cork for their outstanding efforts in hosting the event. From the seamless logistics to the warm Irish hospitality, the UCC team ensured that this year’s forum was not only successful but memorable for all participants. Their dedication was key to the event’s success, and EAIR looks forward to building on this momentum as it prepares for the 2025 Forum in Utrecht.

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Sustainable Travel Ideas for the EAIR Cork Forum

Travelling from Europe

Visitors from Europe can travel via Eurostar from Paris to London and from there by train to Wales and by boat to Dublin. Travellers can then take the train or bus to Cork. Alternatively, there is a daily boat connection from Roscoff or Calais (in Northern France) directly to Ringaskiddy, Cork.  

Link for Direct Ferries: https://www.directferries.ie/

Travelling from the UK

There are ways to travel to and from Ireland without flying, as there are train and bus services that link with ferry services across the Irish Sea which connect several ports in England, Wales and Scotland with Irish ferry ports of Rosslare, Dublin or Belfast with ongoing travel by car, bus or train. 

Cross County Rail Services

Where taking a flight is necessary, attendees are encouraged to consider direct flights to Ireland (Cork, Dublin) airports and to use cross country rail services where a direct flight to Cork is not possible.

Link for Irish rail: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Travel options in Cork

Cork is a city where active travel options are both available and encouraged – walking and cycling.  Visitors to Cork City can get a 3 day TFI bike subscription.

Link to TFI Bike Subscription: https://www.bikeshare.ie/pricing-and-subscriptions.html

All accommodation options and EAIR Forum venues in Cork can be accessed easily by foot. 

Offsetting Travel Emissions

Forum attendees are invited to offset the unfavourable impact of air travel by combining attendance at the Cork forum with other meetings in Ireland, the UK and Europe. 

Forum attendees who wish to consider sustainable travel options may also wish to combine their attendance at the Cork EAIR Forum with their annual holiday and by so doing minimise the number of air flights taken in 2024.