Keynote Speaker
Dr. Brigita Pantelejeva
Head of Studies at St Ignatius of Loyola College / senior lecturer at Kaunas University of Technology
Topic: GenAI in higher education: navigating the new reality
Dr Brigita Pantelejeva is a Head of Studies at St. Ignatius of Loyola College in Kaunas, Lithuania. She has been a lecturer in communication and academic writing at Lithuanian and foreign universities for over 20 years, as well as founder of a unique language school for adults. Mostly aiming to help students and adults to develop their communication skills in different languages. PhD in linguistics with recent focus on artificial intelligence tools in communication and academic writing.
Highlighted Speakers
Dr. Maureen Klos
Dr Maureen Klos is an experienced academic researcher with a rich background in education and English and French language support in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Holding a BA, STD, BEd Hons (cum laude), MEd (cum laude), and DEd, she has been actively involved in research and teaching for over four decades, Dr. Klos has presented at international and local conferences and collaborated on sociolinguistics and academic literacy projects. Her recent work focuses on scaffolding autonomous language learning. She enjoys painting and spending time with her border collies (95 words).
Dr. Nduduzo C Ndebele
Dr. Nduduzo C Ndebele is a senior lecturer and researcher at the Department of Public Governance, University of KwaZulu Natal. He holds a PhD in Public Policy. Furthermore, he teaches and supervises postgraduate students and has recently edited a book titled: Digital Transformation in Public Sector Human Resource Management. His areas of research interest are: public policy in health and education; Digital transformation in Public Sector Human Resource Management and Local Government. His recent publications are: ‘ Funding Open Educational Resources in Higher Education: A South African Public Policy Perspective’ in Social Sciences Journal (2023 ‘Data Marginalization in South Africa: A Quest For Inclusive Digital Participation’ in Social Sciences and Education Research Review Journal (2024).
Past Speakers
Dr. Hilda Freimuth
English Language Learning and Teaching Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Canada.
Topic: : IELTS: The Global Gatekeeper
Dr Hilda Freimuth is a tenured Associate Teaching Professor in the English Language Learning and Teaching Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Canada. She holds a B.A. in German, a B.Ed. in primary education, an M.A. and M.Ed. in TESOL and a Ph.D. in Education. She has taught English in many parts of the world, with many years in the UAE. She has run three language learning centres – two in the UAE and one in Canada. She also managed a TESOL teacher training program in Vancouver for eight years. Hilda has published extensively in the past few years on research conducted in both the UAE and Canada and regularly travels the world to disseminate her findings.
Dr. Stefano Sandrone
Imperial College London, UK
Topic: : Medical education in the metaverse.
Dr. Stefano Sandrone is an Italian neuroscientist and educationalist working at Imperial College London. He was awarded the Julia Higgins Award and the President’s Award from Imperial College London, the A. B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology, and the Science Educator Award presented by the Society for Neuroscience. He wrote three books, including Nobel Life: conversations with 24 Nobel Laureates on their Life stories, advice for future generations, and what remains to be discovered (published by Cambridge University Press, edited by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings).
Dr. Ana Souto
Dr. Ana Souto is a senior Lecturer in Architecture and Director of Doctoral Programmes, at Nottingham Trent University (UK). Her scholarship develops inclusive approaches (decolonising architecture, neurodiversity, outreach) and embraces Students as Partners. Shereceived the NTU Vice-Chancellor Award in Scholarship in 2023, and she is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Dr. Maha Abasaid
Dr. Maha Abasaid is an ESL lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat. She has a BA from the University of Jordon, Masters in Applied Linguistics from the Open University and a PhD in
Higher Education from the University of Liverpool. Her research interest is educational reforms.
Dr. Dorota M. Drużyłowska
Dr. Dorota M. Drużyłowska holds a PhD in the Humanities and is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Russian Language, Institute of Slavic Studies, University of Wrocław, and a lecturer of Polish as a second language. Her current research interests are focused on phraseology, lexicography, language play and the linguodidactics of closely related languages: Russian and Polish.
Dr. Douglas Moodie
Dr. Douglas Moodie is a Professor of Management at Kennesaw State University Georgia, USA. He has a BS from Bristol University, UK, , MBA and MS in OR from Cornell University, NY, USA, and a PhD in Operations Management from Syracuse University, NY, USA. His current research interests are the effects of teaching modalities and Covid on learning outcomes for different student demographics.
Prof. Jacqueline Elizabeth Wolvaardt
Prof. Jacqueline Elizabeth Wolvaardt is an Associate Professor at the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria (South Africa). She has a Bachelor in nursing, a Master of Public Health, and a doctorate in education. She was the joint recipient of the SAAHE Distinguished Educator Award in 2022.
Dr. Clare Finnegan-Coyne
Dr. Clare Finnegan-Coyne (BSc & PhD Biology) is a lecturer in Science at Atlantic Technological University, Ireland. Clare has most recently been engaged in science education research seeking to explore how to improve the accessibility of science, particularly through the use of Universal Design for Learning
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kosin Panyaatisin
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kosin Panyaatisin is a lecturer in Linguistics at the School of Language and Communication, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Thailand. His research spans a range of interests, including Sociophonetics, Cognitive Linguistics, Ethnolinguistics, and Wellness.
Dr. Ana Claudia Delfini
Dr. Ana Claudia Delfini is a Pós Doctorate in Education from the Faculty of Education of the University of São Paulo.Full professor at the University of Vale de Itajaí, she works in the Pedagogy course, in the Professional Master’s in the Postgraduate Program in Education and Psicology. Leader of the Research Group/Cnpq “Education and Work”PPGE UNIVALI.
Dr. Brigita Pantelejeva
is a lecturer in communication and academic writing at Lithuanian and foreign universities for over 20 years, as well as founder of a unique language school for adults. Aiming to help students and adults to develop their communication skills in different languages. PhD in linguistics with recent focus on artificial intelligence tools in communication.
Dr. Verônica Gesser
Dr. Verônica Gesser is a post-Doctorate in Education: Curriculum and Teaching, Barry University, USA. Curriculum and teaching Ph.D, USA. Professor and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Education (Masters and Doctorate) at the University of Vale do Itajaí. Extensive experience in Basic and Higher Education, with an emphasis on: Public Policies, General Theory of Planning and Curricular Development.
Dr. Inbal Shani
Dr. Inbal Shani is a clinical neuropsychologist, specializing in the psychology of gifted children and adolescents. She works as a researcher and a lecturer at the University of Haifa in human intelligence and giftedness. Inbal also serves as an educational psychologist in schools with classes for gifted students. For more than a decade, she has worked in the Ministry of Education as a mentor and trainer the courses for teachers and counselors of gifted with a special focus on the psychological characteristics of students with high intellectual potential.
Dr. Julie McIntosh
Dr. Julie McIntosh has a PhD in Biological Sciences and is a Professional Teaching Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. She is passionate about creating learning environments that engage students in real-life scenarios that contextualise their knowledge, and excite students about scientific discovery and the process of science.
Mr. Cornelius Rahe
Mr. Cornelius Rahe was educated in Germany and Canada, earning the International Baccalaureate. He won national and European awards for his school’s history. He has been studying medicine at the Hannover Medical School since 2019 and is scientifically engaged in the analysis and optimization of teaching methods.
Mr. Samuel Kwaku Basoah Boateng
Mr. Samuel Kwaku Basoah Boateng is a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction at Montana State University. With a background in education and a focus on technology integration, he is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant. His research explores teachers’ familiarity with technology in rural classrooms and their effective use of instructional design models. As a professional teacher, he brings practical experience to his academic journey, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the field..
Mrs. Syzane Merovci
Mrs. Syzane Merovci is a dedicated researcher from Pristina, Kosovo. She has earned her BSc and MA degrees in Language Arts and is currently working towards a PhD in Education at St Clement Ohridski University in Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. Her previous research focus centered on teacher’s professional identity and the challenges within Kosovo’s educational system. Presently, she is deeply engaged in examining the effectiveness of active learning strategies in primary school settings and the hurdles associated with implementing recent educational reforms in schools.
Ms. Xue Ya
Ms. Xue Yao has been an Associate Language Lecturer at Xi’an-Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU) since 2022. She is keen on integrating technology into teaching and learning. Her research interests include technology-enhanced learning, learner analytics and machine learning.
Ms. Ying Shao
Ms. Ying Shao is an Associate Language Lecturer at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). With a passion for leveraging technology to enhance language education, she has been actively engaged in exploring the potential of AI-assisted teaching and learning.
Mrs. Gabriela Reses
Mrs. Gabriela Reses is a researcher at the Centre for Research in Didactics and Technology in the Training of Trainers (CIDTFF). She is a doctoral student in the Doctoral Programme in Multimedia in Education at the University of Aveiro. She has a degree in Biological Sciences, a specialisation in Educational Design and a Masters in Science and Technology Education.
Mrs. Nele Rohde
Mrs. Nele Rohde is an academic employee at the Heidelberg University of Education. She is working on her doctoral thesis about improving an e-Learning program for migrants and refugees with AI. Her areas of
Interest are e-Learning and AI, especially for young students who want to settle in Europe.
Miss. Sawitree Wongkittirungrueang
Miss. Sawitree Wongkittirungrueang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Program Quality of Life Development for Persons with Disabilities, Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramahibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand. She is also a senior expert lecturer at the Autism Research Center, Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Her current research interests are focused on social stories for ASDs, law and policy for special needs, transitioning education with ASDs, the TEACCH Program for autism spectrum disorders, and the development of social skills for children with autism.
Ms. Erika Louise Branco Ribeiro
Ms. Erika Louise Branco Ribeiro is a PhD student in Education at the University of Aveiro – Portugal. She holds a master’s degree in Education and Professional Training at the same university. Currently, she has a doctoral grant from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) to develop a research on STEAM Education and the development of creative thinking in the initial teachers education
Mr. Rong Luo
Mr. Rong Luo has been an Associate Language Lecturer at Xi’an-Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU) since 2022. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). His research interests include computer-assisted language learning, technology-enhanced language teaching, and the use of multimedia in language instruction.
Ms. Christine Dehnel
Ms. Christine Dehnel is currently an Assistant Principal and operational lead for an alternative provision in Milton Keynes, England; with over twenty years experience in education. Completed her Masters in Educational Leadership at the Virginia Commonwealth University, VA; and is now an EdD. student with the University of Buckingham, and a Fellow with the Chartered College of Teachers.
Miss. Ana Maria Mojica
Miss. Ana Maria Mojica graduated from EAN University in International Business and from the University of Nottingham with an MA in Educational Leadership and Management. She is a former Chevening Scholar. Former Global Competitiveness Leadership Fellow (GCL, 2022) at Georgetown University. A former fellow of the German government’s Cross Culture Program (CCP, 2021), and currently a YLAI fellow program designed by the US government. Education is a human right and a foundation for peace, tolerance, and sustainable development goals, which is why her professional and academic career has been developed in this field, designing and implementing new strategies to improve the quality of and access to education.
Mrs. Raqiya Aamir AlSalehi
Mrs. Raqiya Aamir AlSalehi is a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat. She got her Bachelor’s degree from Sultan Qaboos University, College of Arts. She has obtained her Master of Applied Linguistics from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She has presented at several regional and international conferences.
Ms. Iram Mushtaq
Ms.Iram Mushtaq is an Electrical Engineer with both an MS and a PhD in Engineering Management. Presently, she serves as a Teaching Associate at Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, UK. Her interests span various areas including knowledge sharing supply chain optimization, and Leadership.
Dr. Anabela Valente Simões
Assistant professor at the School of Technology and Management of the University of Aveiro (ESTGA-UA)
Topic: Integrating global skills development into tertiary education language learning
Dr. Anabela Valente Simões holds a PhD in Culture Studies (University of Aveiro, 2009) and a Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture (University of Coimbra, 2001). She also completed a BA in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture (2013) and a BA in Teaching English and German (1997). She is an assistant professor at the School of Technology and Management of the University of Aveiro (ESTGA-UA) since 2000, where she has taught several courses in the subject areas of languages for specific purposes, intercultural communication and business communication. She also collaborates with the Department of Languages and Cultures of the University of Aveiro in the supervision of post-graduate students. Dr. Anabela V. Simões has undertaken several academic management roles throughout the years, namely positions associated with the coordination of degree courses. Currently, she is a member of the Retail Management Degree Committee and the coordinator of the Languages Scientific Department at ESTGA-UA. She is a full member of the Research Centre for Languages, Literatures and Cultures of the University of Aveiro (CLLC-UA) and a collaborator of the Research Groups on Foreign Language Teacher Training (GEFOPLE) and on Literacy, Culture, Connectivity and Education (LECCE), of the State University of Goiás, Brazil. Her research interests include foreign language teaching and learning, intercultural communication, intercultural pragmatics and students’ transferable skills development. She has participated in international conferences and scientific meetings and authored several articles for various publications. She is a reviewer for several international scientific journals.
Dr. Smilena Dimitrova Smilkova
Associate professor of Music Education Methodology in Kindergarten and Primary School at the Faculty of Social Sciences of “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” University, Burgas, Bulgaria.
Topic: Preparation of future Listeners through the artistic Image in Music
Dr. Smilena Dimitrova Smilkova is an associate professor of Music Education Methodology in Kindergarten and Primary School at the Faculty of Social Sciences of “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” University, Burgas, Bulgaria. She has a master’s degree Pianist from the “Pancho Vladigerov“ Academy of Music, Sofia. She received her doctorate in Methodology of Music Education at “St. Kliment Ohridski” University of Sofia. Her scientific interests are in the field of music education methodology, piano methodology, psychology. She is an author of 3 books in the field of music teaching methodology and piano methodology. She presents her research activities at prestigious international conferences in Bulgaria, Ireland, Turkey, Spain, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Czech Republic.
Dr. Wilma van Staden
Rhodes University, South Africa
Topic: Mediating learning in a time of uncertain change
Dr Wilma van Staden has a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Botany and Microbiology, a BSc and a Master’s degree in Aquatic Ecology (Environmental Management). Her post-graduate research focused on aquatic ecology and the limnology of freshwater bodies on sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Wilma’s career in environmental education started when she became an agricultural teacher in 2012 after completing her MSc. She became interested in sustainable agricultural education and joined the ELRC in 2015. Wilma’s research is founded on sustainability, agriculture and environmental education. However, since Covid, her research has shifted to ESD digital learning platforms and framework development and the digital pedagogical principles needed for transformative co-engaged active learning founded on ESD. At the moment, she is involved in a number of research programmes as part, particularly as the online course developer and researcher in the Amanzi for Food, Sustainability Starts with Teachers (SST) and Fundisa for Change teacher capacity-building programme. Across these programmes, broad research interests include transformative social and digital learning, indigenous heritage, ESD knowledge uptake through course-activated processes, the development and functioning of ESD Learning Network, and teacher educator and teacher professional development.
Prof. dr. Edita Slunjski
Prof. dr. Edita Slunjski is a full professor at the Pedagogy Department in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science in Zagreb, Croatia. She is the author of roughly one hundred professional and scientific papers and 27 books. She is the president of the Croatian Pedagogy Association and the leader of the international professional interdisciplinary learning community in early and preschool education (ENNEA). Her research interests include early learning curricula, leadership, institutional culture, qualitative research and alternative pedagogical concepts. Her Awards are 2014. State award for science, 2015. Award of the City of Zagreb, 2022. Annual award of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2022. State award for science.
Prof. Michael Brandeis
Prof. Michael Brandeis is professor of Genetics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After 30 years at the bench, he focuses now on developing innovative teaching methods. He travels extensively to produce educational materials about key subjects in Biology and Environmental Awareness like his MOOC “Sex from Molecules to Elephants”.
Dr. Michael Kehler
Dr. Michael Kehler is a Research Chair of Masculinities Studies at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Canada. As a gender researcher his work examines, masculinities, allyship, health education, homophobia, GBV and schooling. His collaborations extend between Italy, UK, Australia and Canada with his work recognized internationally in the field of Masculinities Studies.
Ms. Jiawei Zhang
Ms. Jiawei Zhang is currently a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at University of Macau. She obtained her master’s degree from Beijing Normal University. Her research interests focus on teaching and teacher education, specifically on teacher identity construction and teacher professional development.
Ms. Deborah Maxfield
Ms. Deborah Maxfield currently serves as a Lecturer in English Education at Rikkyo University, Tokyo, and researches how concepts from her MSc in Psychology apply to second-language education, particularly in how group dynamics combine with cognitive and affective states to affect learning outcomes, group cohesion, student motivation, and L2 anxiety.
Ms. Mahnaz Aliyar
Ms. Mahnaz Aliyar is a Ph.D. candidate at the Victoria University of Wellington. She holds an MA in L2 Teaching and Learning from KU Leuven, an MA in Modern Languages from the University of Bologna, and a BA in the Italian Language from the University of Tehran. Her research interests include second language acquisition and vocabulary learning.
Mr.Kamal Heidari
Mr.Kamal Heidari is a doctoral candidate of Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of
Wellington. His research areas include vocabulary, psycholinguistics, and reading skill. He has published in journals like Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, Thinking Skills & Creativity, Journal of Mixed-Methods Research, International Journal of Early Years
Education, and Discourse and Society.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Zuruzi Abu Samah
Chairman of the mechanical engineering department, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Topic: “Interdisciplinarity in engineering education”
Dr. Zuruzi Abu Samah is a professor at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has served as chair of the mechanical engineering department since 2019. After earning bachelors and doctoral degrees in materials from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and University of California, Santa Barbara, respectively, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at Agilent Labs, CA and then joined Intel, AZ as a senior engineer. His interest in teaching led him to academic positions in Nanyang and Temasek polytechnics in Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Universiti Teknologi Brunei. He has taught fundamental and advanced engineering courses to electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering students. His research interests include students perceptions of learning as well as technical / engineering education.
Prof. Anabela Simões
Prof. Anabela Simões is Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro (UA), where she teaches Languages for Specific Purposes and Intercultural Business Communication. She holds a PhD in Culture Studies and is a full member of the Research Centre for Languages, Literatures and Cultures (UA). Her main research interests include: intercultural communication, FL teaching & learning and global skills development.
Dr. Wilma van Staden
Dr. Wilma van Staden is an environmental researcher ad e-learning specialist focused on agriculture and environmental education as part of the Environmental Learning Research Center Team at Rhodes University South Africa. Her current research focuses on the development and implementation of digital learning platforms for trainers of trainers integrated with indigenous heritage knowledge, ethical land care and sustainable development.
Ass. Prof. Susana Marisa Loureiro Pais Batista
Ass. Prof. Susana Marisa Loureiro Pais Batista is a Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing, by the Higher School of Health of Viseu in 2019, Doctoral Degree in Nursing Science in 2018/04/10 by the University of Porto Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Master’s Degree in Health Services Management in 2006/12/21 by ISCTE Business School, Degree in Nursing in 2001 by the Jean Piaget School of Health of Viseu She is currently an Adjunct Invited Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu – School of Health of Viseu, of which is a member of the scientific-pedagogical unit of rehabilitation nursing. Member of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing. Areas of interest: nursing rehabilitation, neuro-rehabilitation, palliative care, spirituality in nursing care.
Mr. Tim Oswald
Mr. Tim Oswald is a lecturer in English language and intercultural business communication at the University of Aveiro in central Portugal. His research interests include the intercultural competence, training undergraduates in research methodology, representations of Portuguese culture online and the formation of the destination image in another language.
Ms Chanchal Singh
Ms Chanchal Singh has 39 years of experience teaching EFL/ESL learners. She imparts Voice and Accent Training at Shantou University. She has an MBA and has received ‘Outstanding Teaching Award’, won 1st Prize a TKT held by MPI Macao & Cambridge University, contributed book chapters to TESOL press, received ‘Best Paper Award’ at conferences. Learner motivation is her field of interest.
Ms Sohani Gandhioke
Ms Sohani Gandhioke has a Masters in English. She has been teaching ESL/EFL learners since 2004. She teaches English at Shantou University and has received the highest Teacher Evaluation Scores. She was awarded the ‘Certificate of Appreciation ‘by Business School. contributed book chapters to TESOL press, received ‘Best Paper Award’ at conferences. TBLT is her field of research.
Mr.Rasheed Al Rayah Sanhoury
Mr.Rasheed Al Rayah Sanhoury has been teaching English in the Sultanate of Oman since 2005. He has a BA in English Language and Literature and a CELTA. His research interests include the study of the Spatial Bias agency, Neurolinguistic, Discourse, Grammar, Material Design, and Professional Development.
Mr.Adam L. Miller
Mr.Adam L. Miller has been teaching in Japan for over 13 years. He is currently working in the department of Global Culture and Communication at Aichi Shukutoku University in Nagoya City, Japan. He is also currently enrolled in a Doctorate in Education through Open University Malaysia.
Mr. Igor Balan
Mr. Igor Balan (Master degree in Law, Odessa National Law Academy (Ukraine)), businessman (has several businesses and companies in Ukraine). The Owner and the teacher of Miniboss Dublin Business School (Ireland) – the Franchise branch of The International Miniboss Business School. He is opening in Dublin (Ireland) innovative school with an exclusive program and interactive methods of business education for children from 6 years old. MINIBOSS DUBLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL will implement educational learning objectives according to 8Q, Bloom’s Taxonomy, TRIZ, and other effective methods of mindset development for children in Ireland.
Miss.Xinran Wang
Miss.Xinran Wang studied Education Management and Finance at the University of Jinan and got her bachelor’s degree in June 2018. From 2020 to present, she is a Master student in Education Management at the University of Malaya.
Mr. Richard Cotterill
Mr. Richard Cotterill is a lecturer in Management at the University of York’s International Pathway College. He is in the final stages of completing his doctorate in education, which evaluates the use of visual metaphors in lectures as a way of unlocking meaning. Other research interests include how to strengthen the validity of group assessments and the use of online discussion forums. Richard is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holder of the University of York Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award.