- This event has passed.
Watch all sessions now! European Open and Digital Learning Week (EODLW) 2024
November 11 @ 08:00 – November 15 @ 17:00
EDEN proudly hosted the European Open and Digital Learning Week (EODLW) for the ninth year in a row.
This year’s theme was: Tomorrow’s Teaching&Learning
Dates: 11-15 November, 2024
The event was organised in partnership with, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), which will be holding its National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), and the Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand (FLANZ) and Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA), who joined efforts to offer the Asia-Pacific Online and Distance Education Week (APODE).
The EDEN activity aimed to discuss and share ideas and experiences on teaching and learning today and tomorrow. What influences teaching and learning, on what it depends, how it can be better and of high quality, what we perceive tomorrow’s teaching and learning will look like, and how we want to design it.
Topic: AI and Education: Enhancing Learning and Pedagogy
Format: Presentations and discussion with participants
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education across sectors, from vocational education and training and adult education to traditional academic settings. However, a pressing challenge remains: how can we harness AI tools to reinforce and support effective teaching and learning practices without disrupting or diminishing the critical role of educators or learners’ agency?
This 90-minute session brings together experts and AIPioneers project (https://aipioneers.org/) researchers from the fields of education and AI to discuss strategies for leveraging AI technologies in ways that foster learners’ agency, preserve pedagogical integrity, and drive positive outcomes. The session will feature three key presentations, each addressing different aspects of AI in education, followed by a moderated discussion where participants can ask questions and engage with the presenters.
Watch the Session Here!
Moderators: Giedrė Tamoliūnė & Graham Attwell
Giedre Tamoliune 
Giedrė Tamoliūnė is an associate professor at the Education Academy of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) and a researcher and senior specialist at the Institute for Study Innovations at VMU. Her work focuses on technology-enhanced teaching and learning, covering areas such as digital assessment, artificial intelligence in education, learning analytics, and micro-credentials. Giedrė is involved in European and national R&D and applied projects, such as DigiProf, AIPioneers and Digital Micro-Credentials in higher education. She has been a Steering Committee member of the EDEN Network of Academics and Professionals (NAP) since 2023.
Speakers:
Graham Attwell 
Graham Attwell is Director of the Spanish research and development SME, Pontydysgu. He has a degree in History and his current work as part of the European AI Pioneers project is looking at how interdisciplinary approaches to Generative AI can foster capacity building in Education and new understandings of innovation and knowledge development.
George Bekiaridis
George Bekiaridis, is Director of Active Citizens Partnership, a Non Profit organisation in Greece. He has a bachelor’s degree in informatics and a master’s degree in Distance Learning. He is specialized in research and development into digital pedagogies and technology enhanced learning. George Bekiaridis participated as researcher in AI Pioneers , Taccle AI and AI@School projects.
Ludger Deitmer 
Dr. Ludger Deitmer has been working as a senior researcher at the Institute technology and education, ITB, University of Bremen. He acted as Convenor for the European Vocational Education research network under the European Educational Research Association (EERA). LD initiated regional, national and European pilot projects in the design and implementation of work-based curricula for TVET teachers and published a large variety of articles preferably.
Frieda Klaus 
Frieda Klaus, M.A., is a research associate and doctoral candidate at the Institute Technology and Education (ITB) at the University of Bremen in Germany. She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in educational science. Her research interests focus on the innovation and internationalisation of vocational education and training. As part of the AI Pioneers project, she is working on the use of AI in VET.
Topic: The European Digital Education Hub. Bridging the gaps and growing together
Format: Presentations and discussion
Description: The session is dedicated to reviewing the activities of the European Digital Education Hub that contribute to the development of the Community of Practice which discusses and develops knowledge on digital education in Europe. The challenges addressed in the Hub by CoP members, as well as focused and dedicated activities will be showcased live from the Hub with a lively discussion during the session.
Watch the Session Here!
Moderator: Prof. dr. Airina Volungevičienė, Director of the Institute of Study Innovations at Vytautas Magnus University
Prof. dr. Airina Volungevičienė has been working among leading researchers, methodology specialists and education policy makers in the area of online and digital education development in Europe and Lithuania since 1997. Having established the national association Lithuanian Distance and e-Learning association (2010), she continued as a leader in research and project work to promote the development of TEL in in HE, schools, VET and adult learning. She researched, experimented with and searched for the added value of educational technology since 2004 before mainstreaming it for education, including quality assurance tools, virtual mobility, open educational resources, learning analytics, microcredentials, AI and many other EdTech solutions.
She joined EDEN governance since 2010, as the Board member, Vice President for Research (2016 – 2019) and the President (2016 – 2021). She founded EDEN Digital Learning Europe in Estonia after Brexit, and continues to serve as a director in the Management Board. She is the team leader and senior expert for Knowledge building activities in the European Digital Education Hub since 2022, a member of the European Commission DELTA (Digital Education: Learning, Teaching and Assessment) working group, and researcher and director of the Institute of Study Innovations at Vytautas Magnus University.
Speakers:
Maetha NIMY O MSAMBA TEIXEIRA
Maetha NIMY O MSAMBA TEIXEIRA is a Senior Business Analyst with over 10 years of experience in ICT projects, including 6 years as a Team Leader for the IT Operations division at the European External Action Services. She managed customer relationships, focusing on promoting the implementation of digital solutions as well as guiding various stakeholders through their adoption journey. She also played a key role in developing and maintaining all in-house applications. In January 2024, she joined the Digital Education unit of DG EAC – The Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission.
In her role as a Project Advisor, she is responsible for ensuring seamless operational activities and alignment with the European Digital Education Hub’s strategic objectives. With a strong background in digital transformation and innovation, Maetha is dedicated to integrating technology within the dynamic and rapidly advancing field of digital education.
Björn Bachmann
Björn Bachmann from DAAD is the current Deputy Project Manager of the EDEH service contract. As the Acting Project Lead in 2022-2023, he oversaw the management of the 13-partner consortium and the coordination with the EACEA and DG EAC. In the EDEH community workshops taking place in Brussels, Björn has been responsible for the programme’s conceptual development and the moderation of participants from policy, research, Edtech, and other education and training backgrounds. Before joining DAAD in 2022, Björn worked as Project Coordinator in the Science Education Department of European Schoolnet (EUN). He managed EUN’s activities in the STEM Alliance and its affiliated projects such as the “STEM Alliance – Dell PolicyHack™.” He managed the pedagogical activities with partners, including the elaboration of a MOOC on aerospace in class. Björn has previously coordinated the development and launch of the STEM School Label website. In the spaceEU project, Björn coordinated European teacher training institutes in their development of training plans. He holds a Master of Science in Educational Studies (KU Leuven), a Master of Arts in International Studies (Aarhus University) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences and Public Administration (University of Konstanz).
Vlad Mihaescu 
Vlad Mihaescu has a PhD in educational and technological models of MOOCs and has more than 20 years of experience as a trainer and teacher in areas like multimedia technologies, social media, e-tourism, e-learning, usability, entrepreneurship, programming, soft skills, leadership, and project management. Author of over 50 scientific papers and book chapters published in international conferences and journals, Vlad is involved in several European research projects in the field of eLearning, digital culture, and digital entrepreneurship. He is also an associate professor for UPT. For more than 10 years, Vlad has been part of the technical support team of the UPT Virtual Campus (Moodle). Between 2020-2023, Vlad has served in the position of Chair of the Steering Committee of EDEN’s NAP (Network of Academics and Professionals), which he is still a member of. Since 2022, he has also been a member of the Management Board of EDEN, organising several workshops and webinars and participating as a speaker or moderator in EDEN events. Vlad was the Local Conference Manager for EDEN’s AC in 2020. Vlad is also the Vice-President of the UPT Senate.
Colin Tück
Colin Tück is a consultant for different European projects and initiatives related to quality assurance, recognition, and digitalisation. For the European Digital Education Hub (EDEH), he supports DAAD (consortium coordinator) as a senior expert on higher education interoperability. For the Knowledge Innovation Centre (KIC) he coordinates KIC’s work in the QualityLink project, which includes EDEN Digital Learning Europe as a partner too. Previously, he served as the Director of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) and led the conception, implementation and management of the Database of External Quality Assurance Results (DEQAR). In this role, Colin has contributed closely to shaping the European Higher Education Area’s (EHEA) quality assurance framework.
Juhani Koivuviita
Juhani Koivuviita is the co-founder and CEO of Educraftor, where he plays a crucial role in co-designing and implementing the company’s innovative programs and events. As a seasoned team coach and consultant, Juhani works closely with a diverse range of clients and learners, guiding them through transformative educational experiences.
With a rich background as a team coach, language teacher at all education levels, and a former primary school principal, Juhani brings a wealth of experience to his work. His expertise spans program and project management in both national and international contexts, underpinned by his exceptional communication and diplomatic skills.
Juhani’s mission is to help individuals reach their fullest potential by challenging their thinking and actions. He inspires and ignites a learning and growth process within his learners, supporting them with tools, methods, and space for meaningful dialogue. Juhani’s dedication to fostering understanding across sectors, borders, and cultures, combined with his patience and compassion, creates a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
Peter Fagerstöm
Peter Fagerström is the visionary founder and Executive Chairman of Educraftor, a leading education innovation consultancy based in Finland. With clients including ministries of education, national agencies, municipalities, and both public and private sector organizations, Educraftor is at the forefront of driving large-scale strategic change in education.
Peter is also the founder of Teach Millions, a platform showcasing Nordic edtech solutions, and has played a pivotal role as a founding member and advisor to several regional edtech organizations. His work in developing cross-border startup ecosystem services and building regional platforms to support edtech companies has had a significant impact on the industry.
Known for his ability to perceive complex systems and identify connections that others might miss, Peter is committed to building and orchestrating purpose-driven innovation and learning ecosystems. He excels at working on big visions and is not afraid to challenge conventional mindsets, bringing positive disruption to any process. His mission is to foster environments where the sum of two parts is always greater than the whole, driving meaningful and sustainable change in education.
Topic: AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning
Format: Presentations and discussion with participants
Description: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning are important for educators, teachers, students and policymakers. Many educators are actively exploring the use of AI tools to support students with a range of disabilities and to achieve what the early pioneers in Ed Tech were trying to achieve and that was the personalisation of learning. This session will consist of 4 international speakers, Bart Rienties, Thomas Ullmann, Mychelle Pride and Paul Prinsloo who will present their current research and views about AI for teaching and learning. They will also situate their work within a framework of current challenges and opportunities. Then it is over to you, the audience, to participate in a lively debate about these issues, Chaired by Denise Whitelock, who has spent her career developing AI systems for Teaching and Learning.
Watch the Session Here!
Moderator: Dr. Sandra Kučina Softić, University of Zagreb University Computing Centre, EDEN DLE Vice president
Dr. Sandra Kučina Softić is the vice president of EDEN Digital Learning Europe, Assistant Director at the University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (Croatia) and Head of the E-learning Centre. She has over 25 years of experience working in higher education. Her work is focused on monitoring and fostering e-learning in Croatian higher education and providing support and advice to institutions, teachers and students in implementing new technologies in learning and teaching. She has a master’s degree in Digital Education at the University of Edinburgh, UK and a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. In 2021, she authored a book on digital transformation in higher education (published in Croatian). She is a professor at the University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, DOBA University, Slovenia and University North, Croatia. She was EDEN president 2019- 2022. Since 2023 she has been EDEN DLE Vice-President for Open Professional Collaboration.
Speakers:
Dr. Bart Rienties
Dr Bart Rienties is a Professor of Learning Analytics and programme lead of the learning analytics and learning design research programme at the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University UK. He leads a group of academics who provide university-wide learning analytics and learning design solutions and conduct evidence-based research on how students and professionals learn. As an educational psychologist, he conducts multi-disciplinary research on work-based and collaborative learning environments and focuses on the role of social interaction in learning, which is published in leading academic journals and books. His primary research interests are focused on Learning Analytics, Learning Design, and the role of motivation in learning. Furthermore, Bart is interested in broader internationalisation aspects of higher education. He has successfully led a range of institutional/national/European projects and has received a range of awards for his educational innovation projects. He is President of the Society of Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR), the largest research community on learning analytics. He has published over 300 academic outputs and is the 1st most published and cited author on learning design and learning analytics in the period 2014-2023 (Drugova et al. 2023), and the 2nd most published author on Networks in Education in the period 1969-2020 (Saqr et al. 2022).
Dr. Thomas Ullmann
Dr. Thomas Ullmann is a lecturer at the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). He has over 15 years of experience in educational technology, developing and evaluating online learning and teaching solutions. He leads projects related to learning analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, and innovative methods, especially text analytics, to support and measure teaching and learning. Dr Ullmann is currently the Academic Learning Analytics and Insight Lead for the OU-led Fleming Fund Global Learning Grant, evaluating the learning progress of professionals in LMICs.
Mychelle Pride
With more than twenty years’ experience in the sector, Mychelle’s work has focused on enabling students to achieve to the best of their abilities, meaningful student voice and engagement, and learning, teaching & assessment. In her current role as Academic Director, PVC-Students at the Open University, Mychelle provides learning, teaching & assessment direction aimed to enhance the academic experience and to ensure high standards across the PVC-Students’ portfolio. Mychelle is leading a strategic change initiative to evolve how the Open University facilitates and assesses learning, preparing the institution for the future. She also has a lead role in Generative AI in Education and has presented across the sector.
Paul Prinsloo
Paul Prinsloo is a Research Professor in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in the Department of Business Management, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa (Unisa). He is a visiting professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), a Research Associate for Contact North/Contact Nord (Canada), a member of the Center for Open Education Research at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany, a Senior Fellow of the European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN), member of the Executive Committee for the Society of Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR) and serves on several editorial boards. Paul is an internationally recognised scholar and has published numerous articles in the fields of teaching and learning, student success in distributed learning contexts, the ethical collection, analysis, and use of student data in learning analytics, and digital identities.
Topic: Shaping Tomorrow’s Education: Strategies for Delivering High-Quality Teaching and Learning in a Transforming World
Format: Panel with discussion
Description: The session explores the future of teaching and learning, reflecting on current educational practices and outlining the steps needed to ensure high-quality education in tomorrow’s world. The topic will address the evolving demands of education in the face of technological advances, changing student needs, and global challenges. By examining what is already being done and identifying the gaps that remain, this discussion will focus on how educators, policymakers, associations and institutions can work together to create an adaptive, flexible, equitable, and innovative learning environment. In this session colleagues from eucen, Eunis, ICDE and USDLA will join EDEN to share expertise and views on tomorrow’s education.
Watch the Session Here!
Moderator: Dr. Sandra Kučina Softić, University of Zagreb University Computing Centre, EDEN DLE Vice president
Dr. Sandra Kučina Softić is the vice president of EDEN Digital Learning Europe, Assistant Director at the University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (Croatia) and Head of the E-learning Centre. She has over 25 years of experience working in higher education. Her work is focused on monitoring and fostering e-learning in Croatian higher education and providing support and advice to institutions, teachers and students in implementing new technologies in learning and teaching. She has a master’s degree in Digital Education at the University of Edinburgh, UK and a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. In 2021, she authored a book on digital transformation in higher education (published in Croatian). She is a professor at the University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, DOBA University, Slovenia and University North, Croatia. She was EDEN president 2019- 2022. Since 2023 she has been EDEN DLE Vice-President for Open Professional Collaboration.
Speakers:
Dr. Josep M. Duart
Josep M. Duart holds a doctorate in Pedagogy from Ramon Llull University (URL), Barcelona, and a Master in Business Administration from ESADE Business School, Barcelona. He qualified from the University of Barcelona (UB) with a bachelor’s degree in History and Education and also has a teaching qualification.
He is former vice president for Postgraduate Studies and Lifelong Learning, and former director of the International Graduate Institute at the Open University of Catalonia, UOC (2007-2013). The UOC is a benchmark online university, internationally recognised for quality e-learning, and Dr Duart has played an active role in the development of its educational model, which makes intensive use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Today he is a research professor in the Educational Sciences and Technology department at the UOC. He is the EDEN DLE MB member and EDEN past president (2022-2024)
Dr. Farah Bennani 
Dr. Farah Bennani is a distinguished leader in higher education, with over 23 years of experience in academic administration, pedagogy, and research. Currently serving as the Dean of Math, Science, and Engineering at Elgin Community College, Dr. Bennani is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and administration of academic programs in one of the institution’s most pivotal divisions. She holds a PhD in Microbiology from Ibnou Tofail University, Morocco, where she secured a research patent. Fluent in six languages, Dr. Bennani brings a global perspective to higher education, making her uniquely equipped to cultivate international partnerships and promote cross-cultural collaboration. A highly respected scholar and presenter, Dr Bennani has published and presented extensively on topics ranging from STEM pedagogy, online learning technologies and AI in education to the global perspectives of distance learning. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to e-learning, instructional technology, and diversity in education.
Kae Novak
Kae Novak is the Assistant Director of Learning Design at Front Range Community College. She has over a decade of experience as a learning designer and started in distance learning as an online student success coordinator. Kae has championed and led multiple grants on innovation, game-based learning, online learning and emerging technologies. Kae Novak is a Ph.D. student in Education at the University of Colorado-Denver. Her coursework is in critical studies and learning design and technology.
Benoit Berthou
Senior lecturer, Benoit Berthou was from 2015 to 2023 vice-president in charge of relations with the socio-economic world of the Sorbonne Paris Nord University and then director of the continuing education services of the Paris Panthéon Sorbonne University. Currently vice-president of the Digital Engineering and Technology University, he is in charge of developing international relations for the French University Lifelong Learning Education Network.
Dr. Nicole Johnson
With more than two decades of experience in the field of education, Dr. Nicole Johnson is a leading expert in macro-level digital learning trends. As the Executive Director of the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA), she leads annual, longitudinal research studies exploring technologies and practices related to digital learning at post-secondary institutions. She also has an independent research and consulting practice and helps clients develop future-proof strategies and policies for technology use in teaching and learning. Along with her work on digital learning trends, Dr. Johnson’s research experience includes examining the implications of artificial intelligence in education, exploring potential futures for higher education, defining and operationalizing key terms associated with digital learning, investigating faculty experiences with technology, investigating the use of open educational resources (OER), and understanding how adults learn informally in digital contexts. She has authored and co-authored over 30 publications related to digital learning trends and digital transformation (including journal publications specific to artificial intelligence) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Dr. Gill Ferrell
Dr Gill Ferrell has two roles supporting edtech communities in Europe. She is Operations and Partnership Manager for EUNIS and also the leader of its Learning and Teaching special interest group. Gill is also European Program Director for the 1EdTech Consortium: a non-profit organisation developing and maintaining open standards facilitate an open and trusted digital learning ecosystem.
Topic: Tomorrow’s University. A perspective of University Alliances
Format: Presentations and discussion with participants
Description: In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting educational landscapes, university alliances are emerging as key drivers of innovation and collaboration. This webinar will explore how university alliances are shaping the future of higher education, enabling institutions to pool resources, expertise, and cutting-edge technology to create a more flexible, accessible, and sustainable academic environment. Focusing on the role of digital transformation and cross-border collaboration, we will discuss how alliances are helping universities adapt to tomorrow’s challenges, enhance student learning experiences, and foster global academic communities. Join us for an insightful session on how alliances are reimagining the university of the future.
Watch the Session Here!
Moderator: Dr. Vlad Mihaescu,Politehnica University Timisoara, Romania
Vlad Mihaescu has a Ph.D. in educational and technological models of MOOCs and has more than 20 years of experience as a trainer and teacher in areas like multimedia technologies, social media, e-tourism, e-learning, usability, entrepreneurship, programming, soft skills, leadership, and project management. Author of over 50 scientific papers and book chapters published in international conferences and journals, Vlad is involved in several European research projects in the field of eLearning, digital culture, digital entrepreneurship, innovation and tech transfer. He is also an associate professor for UPT. For 15 years, Vlad has been part of the technical support team of the UPT Virtual Campus (Moodle). Since 2020, Vlad has served as a member of EDEN’s NAP (Network of Academics and Professionals), holding the position of Chair of the Steering Committee between 2020-2023. He was an ex-officio member of the Executive Board of EDEN UK from 2020-2022, then being elected as a member of EDEN DLE‘s Management Board from 2022. In these capacities he has been organizing several workshops, webinars, and participating as a speaker or moderator in EDEN events. Vlad was the Local Conference Manager for EDEN’s AC in 2020 and also part of the Local Organization Team of EDEN‘s RW in 2024. Vlad is also the Vice-President of the UPT Senate.
Speakers:
Alfredo Soeiro
Alfredo Soeiro is a Civil Engineer (UPorto) and Ph.D. (UFlorida), associate professor at UPorto, former Pro-Rector of UPorto, past president of IACEE, of AUPEC and of SEFI. Member of Management Board of EDEN DLE, Secretary General of AECEF and vice-president of ISHCCO. Member of the Scientific and Advisory Board of the European University EELISA, mentor of Global Talent Mentoring, evaluator of Erasmus+ and of accreditation agencies and member of Engineers Europe Strategic Task Force
Michal Karpisek
Michal Karpíšek is a Secretary General of the E3UDRES2 European university alliance which has been profiled by its strong emphasis on regional ecosystems, addressing their skills and innovation needs. In years 2016 – 2021 Michal served as a Secretary General of EURASHE, a political representation of professional higher education in Europe, following an 8 year mandate as its Vice-president. He has been representing EURASHE within various European policy and stakeholders’ fora, EC working structures on higher education policies. Until 2016 Michal acted as an Executive officer of the Czech Association of Schools of Professional Higher Education (CASPHE). He served twice as an advisor to Czech ministers of education (2001-03, 2010-11) or their deputies for higher education. He has got an experience in international projects and consulting including educational reforms in Central Europe and Central Asia. Michal graduated at the Czech Technical University in Prague (1989) and the Cranfield University, U.K. (2004).
Roger Heijmans
Roger Heijmans is Lead of the E³UDRES² Smart Learners Initiative, and part of the UC Leuven-Limburg. He is a conceptual thinker and Talent Bridger, passionate about reshaping future education to unlock the unique potential of young talents across Europe. With a career rooted in innovation and business design, he now works alongside universities, students, and companies from multiple European countries to drive impactful, real-world education. His focus is on creating adaptive learning ecosystems that blend academic excellence with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
Pastora Martínez Samper
Pastora Martínez Samper is commissioner for international action at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) since 2023, having joined as vice-rector for Globalization and Cooperation in February 2016. At the UOC she has been responsible for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Internationalization strategy, the Open Knowledge action plan, the Gender equality plan, and the Sustainable action plan. Currently she is the OpenEU Alliance coordinator, a European University Alliance grouping the main open universities in Europe.
She currently acts as co-chair of the EUA Expert Group on Open Science and the CoARA Working Group on Academic Career Assessment. She also participates in the ISCIII Research Integrity Committee and ANECA Commission for evaluation and monitoring of the state accreditation procedure.
Since September 2015 she is an Associate Professor at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) where she coordinates a specific module on Entrepreneurship and Scientific Communication at the Master in Translational Medicine-MSc.
Before joining the UOC, she has held positions as managing director of biomedical research centers such as the management of IDIBAPS (2010-2016) and CIBERDEM (2009-2019) and as scientific manager of the Institute for BioEngineering of Catalonia IBEC (2006-2008).
She has a PhD in Physics (UAM, 2003), a Master in the Leadership and Management of Science (UPF-UB-UAB, 2008) and a Master in Business and Administration (EADA Business School, 2014). She has more than 20 years of experience in the management of science including management of research centers, European projects or networks. She has been invited to participate in several workshops and courses focused on the 2030 Agenda, Open Science and research assessment.
Alessandra Fiorio Pla
Alessandra Fiorio Pla obtained her degree in molecular biology in 1998 at the University of Turin, Italy and her PhD in physiology in 2001 at the University of Milan, Italy. Alessandra Fiorio Pla performed her postdoctoral training in the laboratory directed by Jeffrey Barker in close collaboration with the laboratory of Indu Ambudkar at National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, USA. In 2007, Fiorio Pla took up a position as assistant professor in physiology at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino. In 2015, She was appointed Associate Professor and since October 2024, She was appointed as Full professor in Physiology at UNITO. Her research focuses on cell physiology and Ca2+ signals and has resulted in important publications in prestigious journals such as Oncogene, Journal of Cell Biology, PNAS, EMBO Journal, Journal of Neuroscience, American Journal of Physiology… (more than 50 publications).
Since 2018, She is part of the board and Responsible for the teaching committee of the PhD program in Complex Systems for quantitative Biomedicine, University of Torino
In terms of institutional responsibilities, since 2020 She is strongly involved in the internationalization strategy of the University of Torino. At present she is covering the role of Deputy Rector for International Education at UNITO. Since October 2021 She is Deputy Director of the Internationalization at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, UNITO.
As part of her Institutional responsibilities, Fiorio Pla is as well responsible for local Management and Coordination for the UNITA Univeristas Montium Alliance EAC-A02-2019 (ERASMUS+ Call for proposals 2020), coordinated by the University of Turin. The European University alliance UNITA is driven by a strong desire to cooperate based on mutual trust in a transformational project aimed at establishing a new model of teaching, research and innovation, thanks to increased mobility and strong links to our ecosystems. In this context, She is leading the Task “Manage and Coordinate UNITA” as part of the WP1 “Governance, management and quality”. In this role, she deals with maintaining the governance structures, actively involving students and staff. Fiorio Pla is also involved actively in the task “Expanding UNITA in Europe and beyond” as part of the WP5 “Impact and Dissemination”.