How is artificial intelligence (AI) transforming opportunities to study, collaborate, and share knowledge around the world? Will technological progress help reduce inequalities, or will it widen the gap between universities in different countries? These questions were at the centre of the 17th General Conference of the International Association of Universities (IAU), held on 3–6 November in Perth, Australia. At the conference, Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, Rector of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), moderated an international expert discussion on the impact of AI on the internationalisation of higher education.
Hosted by Murdoch University under the theme “The Value of Universities in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, the conference brought together university leaders, researchers, and higher education experts from around the world to discuss the impact of AI on teaching and learning, research, and universities’ responsibilities to society. Participants explored how to harness the opportunities offered by emerging technologies while safeguarding academic values, the quality of education, and equal access to higher education.
How Can We Ensure That Technological Progress Benefits Everyone?
Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, MRU Rector, IAU Vice-President for the 2022–2026 term, and Chair of the Association’s Working Group on Internationalisation, moderated the session “The Impact of AI on Internationalization” on 5 November. The discussion brought together higher education experts from Qatar, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and South Africa.
The session explored how AI is influencing student mobility, intercultural learning, the dissemination of scientific knowledge, academic integrity, and the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad.
Emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for international learning and collaboration without the need to travel abroad. However, their benefits are not distributed equally. Differences in digital infrastructure and financial resources across countries may further widen existing gaps between universities. Equally important is ensuring that the use of AI does not undermine linguistic and cultural diversity or compromise academic integrity.
Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė invited the panellists to identify concrete measures that universities could implement over the next twelve months to promote the responsible and inclusive use of AI. These decisions are relevant not only to the academic community but also to society as a whole, as they will shape access to quality education, reliable knowledge, and opportunities to adapt to technological change.
MRU’s Engagement in International Higher Education Cooperation
At the beginning of the conference, Murdoch University hosted the final meeting of the IAU Administrative Board for the 2022–2026 term. The meeting was attended by MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, who served as Vice-President of the Association during this term.
The elections for the IAU President and Administrative Board for the new 2026–2030 term took place on 5 November, with the results scheduled to be announced on 6 November. This marks the conclusion of the current leadership’s term and the beginning of a new chapter in the Association’s governance.
The partnership between MRU and IAU also extends to academic cooperation. In 2026, applications opened for the jointly developed international Master of Public Administration programme “Global Engagement and Internationalisation of Higher Education”, designed to strengthen the internationalisation and strategic management competencies of higher education professionals and leaders.
Through its active involvement in IAU, MRU contributes to the global dialogue on the future of higher education and strengthens international partnerships that create new opportunities for the University’s academic community.
