This annual event, organized by the IEEE Education Society for Region 9 (Latin America) in collaboration with the Science and Education Research Organization (COPEC), is part of the IEEE Education Society’s prestigious conference circuit, alongside FIE, EDUCON, and TALE.
The event will take place from March 22 to 26, both online and in person.
ORT will host the conference
For the first time, Universidad ORT Uruguay host this internationally renowned conference. IEEE is a leader in engineering and technology education, providing resources for education at various levels and for continuing professional development.
“Hosting the event will allow the university to build connections and address key challenges in engineering education, such as the implementation of new technologies, student motivation, and the assessment of learning,” says Alejandro Adorjan, associate academic coordinator of Systems Engineering and organizer of the event.
"This conference represents a unique opportunity for ORT to play an active role in the digital transformation of engineering education."
Impact on the academic and professional community
The conference will feature workshops, special sessions, and presentations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, updates on recent innovations, and interaction among colleagues in the academic and professional communities.
"We aim to create a forum for discussion on how generative AI can revolutionize teaching and learning methods in engineering," Adorjan noted.
International participation and reach
It is expected that a significant number of scientific papers will be presented both in person and online. The call for papers will attract researchers, educators, and professionals from various countries, cementing ORT Uruguay’s position as a key hub for educational discourse in the region.
"We look forward to welcoming experts from around the world, which will provide a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in engineering education," Adorjan explained.
Key conference topics
The event will focus on the digital transformation of engineering education, with a particular emphasis on the impact of generative artificial intelligence on teaching and learning. The discussions will address both the opportunities and challenges that these technologies present in the training of future engineers.
A legacy for the country and the university
EDUNINE 2025 aims to strengthen the production of cutting-edge scientific knowledge and create opportunities for professional development in both academia and industry. "Our goal is for this conference to serve as a bridge between academia and industry, promoting the adoption of new methodologies and technologies in engineering education," Adorjan concluded.
Universidad ORT Uruguay thus positions Universidad ORT Uruguay as a key player in educational innovation, providing a forum for the advancement of engineering education in the context of the digital age.
Interview with Dr. Ana Luna, a speaker at the event
Dr. Ana Luna is the associate dean of the Business Engineering program at the Universidad del Pacífico in Lima, Peru. A researcher at the Research Center (CIUP) and professor in the Department of Engineering, she earned her Ph.D. and bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA, Argentina). She is currently a senior member of the IEEE and a researcher recognized by RENACYT under the Carlos Monge Level III group.
-
What is your role within the IEEE Education Society?
In 2023, I was elected to serve on the Board of Governors (BoG) of the IEEE Education Society. My role involves actively participating in events, dedicating part of my time to the society’s key issues, and identifying its needs. In addition, I help build collaborative networks and contribute ideas to improve engineering education and the well-being of its members.
I have been an IEEE member for nine years, and in 2020, I was promoted to Senior Member. As a representative of Region 9, I actively participate in the Steering Committee of the Annual Conference on Engineering Education, EDUNINE. This experience has allowed me to strengthen my teamwork skills with people from all over the world, from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures.
My personal commitment is particularly focused on promoting women’s participation in education and the sciences. I have served as an advisor for the WIE student chapter at the University of the Pacific, a volunteer role that allowed me to develop and implement strategies and activities to promote the inclusion of women in STEM fields. This work has strengthened my soft skills, such as effective communication and accountability.
Serving on the BoG has allowed me to further deepen my commitment to the IEEE Education Society, make constructive contributions based on my training and experience, and bring a unique cultural perspective to the table.
In October 2024, I was elected interim vice president of Outreach for the IEEE Education Society, a position I will hold until December 2025. In this role, I lead the communication and promotion of the society’s vision and mission, develop and execute outreach strategies, and work to increase the visibility of our activities, among other challenges. It is a great responsibility, but also an invaluable opportunity to continue contributing to the community.
-
What role do events like EDUNINE play in promoting engineering education worldwide?
Events such as the EDUNINE International Conference play a key role in promoting engineering education, as they provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, collaboration among professionals from various disciplines, and learning about best practices in the field of education.
In Region 9, which covers Latin America and the Caribbean, these events take on special significance due to the limited resources available compared to other regions. Active participation in EDUNINE makes it possible to optimize available resources, foster collaboration among countries with similar conditions, and establish initiatives that promote equitable access to engineering education.
-
How do you think generative artificial intelligence is transforming engineering education, and what challenges does it present?
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform engineering education by making it more interactive, personalized, and accessible. One of its main advantages is the ability to tailor content to each student’s individual needs, generating instructional materials, practical examples, and interactive problems based on their learning pace and level of understanding.
However, it also presents challenges, such as the risk that students may become overly reliant on technology, which could limit their ability to solve problems on their own. Furthermore, although AI democratizes access to certain educational resources, disparities in access to technology persist across different regions of the world.
One of the most critical issues is ensuring the ethical use of AI in engineering education and learning. It is essential that both faculty and students understand its limitations and are trained to use it responsibly.
-
What initiatives by the IEEE Education Society can help reduce the gender gap in STEM education?
The IEEE Education Society plays a key role in promoting gender equality in STEM through various initiatives, such as the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) program, which fosters a supportive community for women in engineering and other technical disciplines.
Recent EDUNINE conferences have featured panels designed to highlight successful women in the field of engineering. The stories of these professionals inspire young women to envision themselves in similar careers. In addition, the WIE affinity group at the Universidad del Pacífico organizes workshops and activities to encourage female participation in STEM, such as the RE-THINK workshop on Design Thinking, the 8M Discussion, and the Empléate workshop.
In short, the IEEE Education Society promotes a more inclusive environment and provides key tools to help more women reach their full potential in the fields of engineering and science.