Date: Thursday, 10 April 2025
Time: 09:30 - 15:45
Location: Limerick
UL@Work End-of-Project Conference: Transforming Higher Education

 

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Venue: International Business Centre 2, University of Limerick 

Transforming Higher Education Conference Overview   

The Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3 project, UL@Work has marked a step change in enterprise engaged education and lifelong learning at the University of Limerick. This conference will reflect on the project's impact and share the best practice developed. Education leaders, industry experts, alumni and policy makers will discuss the future direction for higher education with and in the workplace.    

The close relationship between UL and industry during UL@Work has continually highlighted the importance of transferable skills for the Irish competitiveness in the era of AI and Digital Transformation. This conference will launch the Transferable Skills Unit, the TSU will directly support the OECD’'s recommendation to “Develop skills for innovation across the education system to strengthen” within the 2023 Skills Report.  

Our keynote speaker is Sinéad Brady is The Career Psychologist, a leading voice, in work, career and organisational psychology. She challenges conventional career narratives, offering a research-driven yet deeply human approach to how we navigate work, ambition, and identity. Her keynote “Future of Careers and Work”, will outline how success in the future of work isn’t about following a set path; it’s about having the courage to design your own. This keynote explores how to build a curvy, courageous career—one shaped by adaptability, curiosity, and strategic decision-making rather than rigid career ladders. 

We would be honoured if you could attend the conference and contribute to discussions on the future of higher education. 

Objectives   

  • Discuss the future of higher education transformation in Ireland   
  • Showcase the impact HCI funding through UL@Work project on UL and the mid-west region   

Key Features   

  • Keynote Speaker: Sinead Brady, Career Psychologist, discussing career pivots and aligning professional decisions with personal values.  
  • Panel Discussions/Workshops: on future innovations from the higher education sector and how to develop skills for students’ lifelong success.  
  • Addressing industry needs from UL and learner insights, emphasising personalised learning experiences.  
  • Networking Opportunities: Interactive sessions to facilitate connections and explore collaborative opportunities.  
  • Launch of the Transferable Skills Unit: Equipping learners with essential, adaptable skills for various career paths.   

Benefits in your attendance 

  • Best Practices – Leverage from the impact of HCI-funded initiatives and innovative models of education and programme design developed through UL@Work. 
  • Curriculum Development & Lifelong Learning – Gain knowledge on integrating enterprise engagement and personalised learning pathways into academic programs. 
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Connect with peers, industry representatives, and policymakers to foster collaborations. 
  • Skills Policy Alignment – Understand how education strategies can align with recommendations within skills policies for innovation-driven skills development.  

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Please feel free to forward this invite within your network. 

Agenda

TimeAgendaSpeakers
9:30-10:00Networking & RegistrationIBC2 Building
10:00-10:10Conference Opening by the University of Limerick Provost & Deputy PresidentProfessor Ann Ledwith
10:10-10:30Reports on Breakfast Sessions; UL@Work in Review; Impact of HCI for ULProfessor Ann Ledwith
10:30-11:10Future of Careers and WorkSinéad Brady - The Career Psychologist
11:10-11:40Tea & Coffee Break 
11:40-12:20Panel Discussion: 'Where to now for Innovation in Work-place based Education'
  • Chair: Professor Martin Hayes, University of Limerick
  • Professor Corrado Cerruti, University of Rome
  • Professor Stephen Kinsella, University of Limerick
  • Meadbh Shine, Analog Devices
  • Sorcha Carthy, Higher Education Authority
  • Denis Leamy, Chief Executive Cork Education and Training Board
12:20-12:50Lightning Talks from Industry & Alumni
  • Chair: Dr Sinéad Burke, University of Limerick
  • Katie Nugent, The HR Suite
  • Fiona Hayes, FH Events
12:50-13:50Lunch and Tour of the IBC2 building and the HCI supported classrooms 
13.50 – 14.30Launch of the Transferrable Skills UnitProfessor Ann Ledwith & Professor Sandra Joyce
14.30 – 15.30Panel Discussion: 'Empowering students with skills for lifelong success'
  • Chair: Professor Chris McInerney
  • Professor Ann Ledwith
  • Sinéad Tuohy,National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
15:30-15:45Closing RemarksProfessor Ann Ledwith