Applied Sciences in a Changing World | 36th Annual Conference
Transforming Education, Research and Innovation in the Era of AI
Rationale
Every year, EURASHE gathers the Higher Education community to discuss and draft a shared path on relevant topics for the present and the future of education. The 200+ participants are policymakers, academics, university rectors and vice-rectors, students and practitioners from the applied higher education sector in Europe and beyond. The 2027 theme “Applied Sciences in a Changing World: Transforming education, research and innovation in the era of AI” asks what role practice-based higher education and research should play as technological changes reshape work, learning, knowledge and society.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant prospect, but a working reality. AI systems are already changing how professionals design, build, teach, and decide, and how knowledge is produced, shared, and valued. For higher education, the question is no longer whether AI will matter, but which knowledge, skills, and forms of judgement remain distinctively human and valuable when information and routine analysis become abundant and inexpensive.
In this context, the defining strengths of applied higher education take on renewed significance. Universities of Applied Sciences and similar HEIs are known for work-based learning and close partnerships with employers and communities, and they conduct research that starts from real-world problems and is tested in practice. These are precisely the settings in which AI is adopted, adapted and evaluated – in workplaces, public services, laboratories and living labs, rather than in the abstract. Applied institutions are therefore well placed not only to prepare graduates for AI-rich professions, but also to help regions, SMEs and public organisations use these technologies responsibly and productively.
WELCOME TO VILNIUS
The 36th Annual Conference is hosted by the Conference of Directors of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions (Lietuvos Kolegijų Direktorių Konferencija – LKDK) at Vilniaus kolegija (VIKO). LKDK brings together Lithuania’s professional higher education sector, comprising 13 institutions – seven public and six private – and educating around 28,300 students across seven regions of the country. The institutions combine professionally oriented higher education with applied research, close cooperation with employers and an important role in regional innovation and skills development. VIKO is located in Lithuania’s vibrant capital, Vilnius. As a leading applied higher education institution in Lithuania and a member of the HEROES European University Alliance, VIKO brings together practice-oriented education, applied research and professional art to prepare students for successful careers and contribute to the wellbeing of society. Through close partnerships with businesses, public institutions and communities, VIKO connects knowledge with real-world needs, fostering innovation and creating lasting value at regional, national and international levels.Draft Programme
We are planning engaging panel discussions and keynote speeches, workshops and breakout sessions, plus several informal moments for you to mix and mingle with colleagues and meet new people from all over Europe and the world.
The overall programme structure can be found below. Unless otherwise stated, the conference is taking place at the VIKO Civil Engineer campus, located at Antakalnio g. 54, Vilnius 10303, Lithuania.
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Pre-conference | 11 May |
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| 15:00 – 16:00 | EURASHE Board meeting (invitation only) |
| 16:30 – 18:30 | EURASHE General Assembly (members only) |
| 18:30 – 20:30 |
Pre-conference reception Finger food and drinks provided |
| Day 1 | 12 May | |
| 9:00 – 17:00 |
Conference day 1 (full day): Keynote speeches, plenary and breakout sessions Coffee breaks and lunch provided |
| 19:00 – 23:00 | Conference gala dinner |
| Day 2 | 13 May | |
| 9:00 – 14:00 |
Conference day 2 (half day): Keynote speeches, plenary and breakout sessions Coffee breaks and lunch provided |
| 14:30 – 16:30 | Social programme |
Registration and fees
Timeline
Registrations to the Annual Conference will open in mid-January 2027. From January to 28 February, the ‘Early Bird’ fee will apply. From 1st March to 25 April, the ‘General admission’ fee will apply. Registrations will close on 25 April. For updates, follow our social media accounts or sign up to our newsletter.Payment
Payment by invoice/bank transfer Payments by invoice/bank transfer must be carried out according to the deadline stated in the document. When registering, please clearly indicate your institution’s full address and VAT number (if applicable) as well as the appropriate email address to which the invoice should be sent. Any add-ons (e.g. Gala Dinner, social programme) will be automatically added to your invoice if selected at the time of registration. Any invoices that remain unpaid by Monday, 3 May 2027 will be deemed null and the registration invalid. Other means of payment Other means of payment are possible. Please contact events@eurashe.eu if you have questions on this matter.Cancellation policy
- Cancellation before Friday 12 March: 100% of your invoice will be refunded
- Cancellation between Saturday 13 March and Sunday 25 April: 70% of your invoice will be refunded
- No refunds after Sunday 25 April
Practical information and accommodation
CONFERENCE VENUE
The conference is taking place on the VIKO Civil Engineer campus, located at Antakalnio g. 54, Vilnius 10303, Lithuania.| Arriving from | Travel time |
| Cathedral Square, Katedros aikštė, Vilnius 01143, Lithuania | 15-20 minutes (public transport) 10 minutes (taxi) |
| Vilnius old town / Central railway / bus station | 25-30 minutes (public transport) 15 minutes (taxi) |
| Vilnius international airport | 45 minutes (public transport) 20 minutes (taxi) |
ACCOMMODATION
Please find below a list of suggested hotel located near the conference venue:| Hotel name | Price/night |
| Corner Hotel, T. Ševčenkos g. 16, Vilnius, 03111. | from €70 |
| Artis Centrum Hotels, Totorių g. 23, Vilnius, 01120. | from €80 |
| Best Western Vilnius, Konstitucijos pr. 14, Vilnius, 09308. | from €80 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Centre, Rinktinės g. 3, Vilnius, 09234. | from €90 |
| Holiday Inn Vilnius Centre, Šeimyniškių g. 1, Vilnius, 09312. | from €100 |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Konstitucijos pr. 20, Vilnius, 09308. | from €110 |
Call for contributions
We are currently accepting contributions to breakout sessions addressing the key question of the Annual Conference: How can practice-based education and applied research best respond to technological change, and how must applied higher education institutions themselves transform to remain relevant to learners, the world of work and society?
Contributions can be based on both theory and practice, and may address – but are not limited to – the following three strands:
- Strand 1: Transforming practice-based education
- Strand 2: Applied research in the era of AI
- Strand 3: Innovation, institutions, and society
The call for contributions is open until 15 December 2026. For additional information on the content, key deadlines and details on the application and selection process, please refer to the full text of the call.
To submit your contribution, download and complete the dedicated form. Send to events@eurashe.eu in PDF format with the subject “AC36 Call for contributions”. Questions about the call can be directed to the same email address. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
*If selected, the lead author/presenter will receive a fee waiver and two nights paid accommodation in Vilnius. The other authors/presenters will benefit from a reduced fee to attend the conference.
