On the Future of Universities and AI: FMUK Participates in the THE Europe Universities Summit 2026
Our colleagues, Miriam Galik and Assoc. Prof. Michal Greguš, participated last week in the prestigious international event THE Europe Universities Summit 2026, which took place over three days in Milan, Italy. Organized by Times Higher Education, the summit is considered one of the most significant European gatherings of university representatives, experts in higher education, research, innovation, and the strategic development of academic institutions.
This year’s central theme, “Restoring trust in higher education,” carried a strong message focused on rebuilding confidence in higher education institutions. Discussions reflected the current societal and technological challenges faced by universities across Europe while emphasizing the importance of strengthening the credibility of academic institutions, their societal relevance, and their ability to respond to the changing needs of students, the labour market, and society as a whole.
Throughout the three-day programme, participants had the opportunity to engage in numerous expert panels, keynote lectures, workshops, and networking sessions focused on the future of universities in an era of digital transformation and the growing importance of artificial intelligence. A significant part of the programme addressed the implementation of AI tools in education, the transformation of teaching and student assessment, as well as issues related to ethics, trustworthiness, and the responsible use of technologies within higher education environments.
The summit also focused on questions of strategic leadership and university management during times of uncertainty and rapid change. Discussions explored how universities can more effectively connect research, education, and practice, build resilient international partnerships, and create environments that support interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and talent development. Considerable attention was also given to the internationalization of higher education, the promotion of student and staff mobility, and the development of joint European initiatives and projects.
The programme further included discussions on the position of European universities in the global environment, the building of institutional reputation, and public trust in scientific knowledge and academic institutions. Participants also addressed topics such as higher education funding, university sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and the creation of modern student environments reflecting the needs of a new generation of students.
The participation of our colleagues in this important international forum represented an opportunity to establish new contacts and strengthen international cooperation with partner universities and experts from across Europe. At the same time, it brought valuable inspiration and new ideas for the further development of innovative approaches in education, internationalization, and the implementation of modern technologies within the academic environment of our faculty.
Through the participation of its representatives, the Faculty of Management, Comenius University Bratislava continues to actively engage in international professional discussions on the future of higher education and the role of universities in modern society.