The INVEST European University Alliance was represented at the 6th International Conference of the Portuguese Society for Engineering Education (CISPEE 2025), held from July 16 to 18, 2025, in Setúbal, Portugal. CISPEE is an IEEE-affiliated conference and one of the leading European forums for engineering education research, with proceedings published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library. This year’s theme, “Emerging Trends in Engineering Education: Adapting to a Changing World,” provided an ideal platform for INVEST to share its work at the intersection of engineering education, AI, and student guidance.
Two presentations by the University of Thessaly team highlighted INVEST’s contributions to innovation in higher education:
🔹 Educators’ Adoption and Perceptions of Generative AI Tools in Higher Education
Presented by Prof. Nicholas Samaras, this study explored how engineering educators are integrating generative AI tools such as ChatGPT into their teaching practices. The findings emphasized both the enthusiasm and concerns among faculty, highlighting the pedagogical shifts occurring in the age of AI.
🔹 A Holistic Approach to Academic Advising through Fuzzy Logic, Semantic Web Technologies, and Expert Reasoning in Engineering Education
Presented by Dr. Omiros Iatrellis, this research introduced an AI-powered academic advising model designed to assist students in navigating complex educational and career decisions, particularly in engineering disciplines. The system leverages fuzzy logic and semantic web reasoning to deliver personalized guidance.
Additionally, Prof. Samaras contributed to a high-level panel discussion on AI in education, engaging with international experts on the future role of generative technologies in academic settings.
These contributions reaffirm INVEST’s active engagement in European dialogue on digital transformation, AI adoption, and learner-centered innovation in higher education.
