📢 On February 6th–7th, the 1st transnational project meeting of the SMK University of Applied Sciences-coordinated project “AI-ERIT: AI Integration Framework for Higher Education: Ensuring HEIs' Readiness for Inescapable Transformation” took place in Vilnius. The event brought together representatives from higher education institutions, researchers, and education experts. This project aims to ensure that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are prepared for the inevitable integration of artificial intelligence (AI) while promoting the responsible use of AI tools and technologies within academic communities.

 💡 What was discussed?
The meeting focused on AI integration in higher education while adhering to ethical principles. Discussions revolved around developing recommendations for using AI in teaching, research, and administration. Partners shared their experiences, helping to identify both challenges and opportunities for educational institutions to effectively implement AI tools while maintaining high academic ethics standards, transparency, data protection, and responsible AI usage in teaching and assessment.

Another key topic was strengthening the AI skills and competencies of different academic community groups. The partners actively discussed the creation of online training and tutorials:
✅ For researchers – to enhance their AI competencies and encourage the application of digital research methods.

✅ For lecturers – to explore AI’s potential in the teaching and learning process.

✅ For administrators – to examine AI-driven solutions that could optimize academic institutions’ operations.

These training programs and methodological tools will help HEIs not only adapt to digital transformation but also leverage AI’s potential to improve education quality.

👥 Who participated?
The meeting brought together project partners from Germany - Fachhochschule des MIttelstands, Lithuania- SMK College of Applied Sciences, Poland - WSEI University, Portugal - University of Maia, Latvia - Turiba University, Croatia - Aspira University of Applied Sceincesand Turkey - Batman University, who are working together to shape an ethical, responsible, and innovative AI-driven future for higher education.

📌What’s next?
Project activities continue! In the near future, training sessions, guidelines, and practical tools will be developed to support HEIs in integrating AI into their daily operations. Stay tuned for updates and join the discussion!