News & Updates
news
30 Sep 2024
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.
news
19 Aug 2024
Call for Contributions 2025
Edited Volumes. Authors who submitted a proposal to the EAIR Forum 2024 are cordially invited to submit their proposal as a contribution to the sixth book volume of the EAIR conference book series “Higher Education. Linking Research, Policy and Practice“ that will be published in July 2025. The theme of the book will be in line with the theme of the Cork forum: “Sustainability, Resilience and Wellbeing”. For the latest volume, have a look at: https://brill.com/display/title/70696.
Book chapter proposals can be sent by e-mail to our volume Editor-in-Chief Jessica Nooij (ja.nooij@avans.nl) before September 6th, 2024. For the book chapter proposal, the initial abstract proposal to EAIR will suffice. Be aware that the editorial team will have to be selective about the chapters that will be included in the volume, and that all chapters will be peer reviewed. Authors will be notified about the decision of the editorial team at the end of September.
news
11 Jul 2024
EAIR Cork Forum Presentation Guidelines
We are delighted to have you as a key part of our upcoming EAIR Cork Forum on Sustainability, Resilience, and Wellbeing. As you prepare your presentations, we would like to provide some guidelines to ensure your content is delivered effectively and engages our EAIR audience.
news
26 Jun 2024
2024 EAIR OUTSTANDING PAPER AWARD
EAIR invites colleagues who are 35 years of age or younger at the time of the Forum to participate in the competition for the EAIR OUTSTANDING PAPER AWARD.
news
5 Jun 2024
EAIR Cork Forum Programme 2024
We are pleased to inform you that the programme for the EAIR Cork Forum is currently being finalized. The finalized programme will be available by 1 July.
news
7 May 2024
Call for candidates for the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of EAIR launches a call for candidates willing to take a position in the EC. More information can be found here
Candidates are expected to submit their interest before 3 July 2024