SPHERE Online Study Visit: AI Transformation for Inclusive Universities

On 9–10 March 2026, an online study visit was held within the framework of the SPHERE project titled “AI-Enabled Digital Transformation for Inclusive Universities: Policy, Practice and Impact.” The event took place on the Zoom platform and was organized by the University of Nicosia.

The event brought together representatives of Erasmus+ National Offices (NEOs), Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE), as well as specialists and researchers interested in integrating artificial intelligence and digital technologies into higher education systems.

In their opening remarks, representatives of the university highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the process of digital transformation in higher education.

During the first day of the programme, the experience of the University of Nicosia in the internationalization of higher education and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies was presented. The discussions also addressed the impact of AI and digital learning on the university educational environment and student well-being.

Special attention was given to the role of universities as centers for developing competencies in artificial intelligence, security, and strategic engagement with European and national institutions.

Participants also discussed issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the era of artificial intelligence. The importance of creating an academic environment that supports all students was emphasized, along with the need to develop effective policies for regulating and managing the use of AI in universities. The second day of the event focused on practical aspects of digital transformation in higher education. Experts presented examples of how AI can support inclusive learning, digital campuses, and innovative educational models. Particular attention was also given to the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, in the development of so-called “intelligent universities.”

As part of an interactive workshop, participants discussed the balance between human and artificial intelligence in the educational process, as well as the importance of responsible and conscious use of data.

During the discussions, it was noted that in the context of a rapidly changing technological landscape, education systems face new intellectual demands of the 21st century. Modern professionals are expected to possess not only routine problem-solving skills but also more complex competencies such as expert decision making, collaborative knowledge creation, and the ability to identify and formulate new problems.

Participants emphasized that artificial intelligence should not replace educators but rather complement their work, serving as a tool to support learning. At the same time, it is essential to preserve human involvement, ethical oversight, and academic integrity.

The online study visit provided an important platform for exchanging experiences and discussing the potential of artificial intelligence to support a sustainable and inclusive digital transformation of universities.