Keynotes
GECon 2025
Keynote Talk: “Cross Reality Laboratories in Engineering Education: A Practice and Research-Oriented Exploration”
Abstract: Laboratories have been a cornerstone in scientific and engineering education at universities for over 180 years. These environments have supported a range of educational activities, from practical demonstrations that illustrate theoretical concepts during experimental lectures to independent experimentation and research conducted in the context of final theses. Across technical degree programs, laboratories appear in various forms, each with its own distinct didactic objectives. Over time, various laboratory types have emerged in practical education. However, a thorough examination of the didactic goals associated with laboratory-based learning reveals a long-standing history marked by recurring debates. Notably, while the laboratory’s value as a teaching tool is widely acknowledged, the emphasis often remains on acquiring knowledge and skills rather than developing broader competencies.
In this keynote, Dr. May will explore the various types of laboratories used in education, the learning objectives they support, and the role of research-based learning within these settings. He will focus on Cross Reality Laboratories, a promising innovation that could enhance remote engineering education by offering more comprehensive learning experiences. Drawing on his expertise as a recognized leader in engineering education research, Dr. May will also discuss current trends in the field, focusing on developments within Europe and Germany.
Bio: Dr. May is a Professor of Technical and Engineering Education Research at the University of Wuppertal, where he focuses on advancing the education of engineers through both foundational and practical research. His primary expertise lies in the development, implementation, and educational impact of online laboratories, including remote, virtual, and cross-reality platforms. Dr. May’s work aims to create evidence-based strategies that drive the continuous evolution of engineering education.
Before joining the University of Wuppertal, Dr. May was an Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Engineering Education Transformations Institute. He currently serves as President of the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), and Associate Editor of the European Journal of Engineering Education. He is an active participant in the global Engineering Education Research community, regularly organizing and contributing to international conferences such as the International Conference on Smart Technologies & Education (STE) and holding leadership positions within the American Society for Engineering Education.
Keynote Talk: “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Student Preparedness through Cross-Cultural Teaching Practices – Lessons from Asia and India”
Abstract: As globalization continues to reshape the educational landscape, universities worldwide face increasing pressure to adapt curricula and teaching methodologies to better prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market. In particular, universities in Asia and India are at a pivotal crossroads as they balance the demand for academic excellence with the growing need for practical, real-world skills. This keynote will discuss the unique expectations placed on students in these regions as they transition from university life into the workforce, navigating a competitive and ever-changing employment environment. Drawing insights from diverse educational systems across Asia and India, the talk will cover how institutions in these regions innovate to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required for success in the global economy.
This talk will discuss problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a broader understanding of the interconnected nature of modern challenges in the educational sector. Content will explore the increasing role of industry collaboration, with universities forming partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to offer students real-world experiences, internships, and exposure to the latest industry trends.
Bio: Amit is a distinguished engineer, educator, and entrepreneur with a strong focus on advancing engineering education in the areas of Forensics and Bioinformatics. He founded BioAxis DNA Research Centre (P) Ltd, the first private DNA testing company in Hyderabad, India, where he has been instrumental in pioneering forensic DNA analysis and training over 1,000 crime investigation officers. A Senior Member of IEEE, Amit is Chairman of the IEEE Conference Organization Integrity Committee (COI) , Region 10 Section chapter committee, and held chairman of the IEEE Hyderabad Section in 2020, and has been deeply involved in promoting interdisciplinary learning, entrepreneurship, and technical skills development. He has contributed to numerous IEEE conferences, workshops, and training programs, fostering global collaboration in engineering and technology. In addition, Amit served as a visiting professor at SJB Research Foundation until 2020 and as an academic board member for several colleges and Universities. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the IEEE MGA Achievement Award (2020) and the IEEE Region 10 Outstanding Volunteer Award (2022). With a passion for shaping the future workforce, Amit continues to be a leading advocate for education and innovation in bioengineering, data science, and forensic science.
Keynote Talk: “Learning by Playing?! – Overcoming Cognitive Biases in Initial and Continuing Education as well as Industrial Decision-Making”
Abstract: Digitization, decarbonization, circularity, and the use of AI are just a few buzzwords representing the major transformations that the European industry is currently undergoing. They all share complex cause-and-effect relationships, high dynamism, information density, and inherent conflicts of objectives. These characteristics precisely trigger intuitive decision-making in humans rather than a more deliberate, mind-based approach. This intuitive decision-making is significantly influenced by simplification, emotionality, and expectations, and so-called cognitive bias effects systematically alter the expected quality of decisions. For this very reason, the content for teaching and learning in initial and continuing education must keep pace with the technical and organizational implications brought about by digitization, decarbonization, circularity, and the use of AI. For example, learners tend to interpret information in ways that confirm their existing beliefs. Decision-makers in industrial practice might be convinced that their current business partner is the best and, therefore, ignore or downplay information such as hints of delays or complaints. Serious games are known for fostering critical thinking. They invite the players to adopt alternative perspectives and create an experimental space, allowing them to at least theoretically consider working with a different partner. This presentation provides insights into how cognitive biases can inadvertently worsen learning and decision-making in complex transformation processes. It highlights the method of serious games and demonstrates how, on the one hand, learning in initial and continuing education and, on the other hand, industrial decision-making processes can be improved by reducing and avoiding these so-called cognitive bias effects.
Bio: Prof. Dr. Julia Arlinghaus holds the Chair of Production Systems and Automation in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. Moreover, she is the Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation. After her studies in Management and Engineering at the University of Bremen, Germany, and Tokyo University, Japan, she received her PhD degree in 2011 from the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland. She worked as a consultant for operational excellence and lean management at Porsche before she accepted the appointment as a Professor of Network Optimization in Production and Logistics at Jacobs University Bremen, Germany, in 2013 and 2017 as Chair of Management of Industry 4.0 at RWTH Aachen University. Together with her team, she consults companies in questions on risk-optimal supply chain design, implementation of production planning and control systems, transformation towards digital and efficient production processes, frugal innovation and its implications for the design and management of production and logistics processes in developing countries. Since 2021, she has been a Member of the German Council of Science and the Humanities, where she is the Chairperson of the Scientific Commission & Evaluation Committee.
Past editions keynote sessions
GECon 2024, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- “Encouraging Female Careers in Engineering My Personal Experience and Lessons Learnt” by Ana García Armada, Vice-President, IEEE Communication Society, UC3M University, Madrid, Spain.
- “Artemis: Interactive Learning with Generative AI” by Stephan Krusche, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
- “Teaching in the age of AI Enhancing Education with ChatGPT and Human Engagement” by Leah Sharp, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
GECon 2023, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- “The German National Education Infrastructure: Myths and Reality” by Ulrike Lucke University of Postdam, Postdam, Germany.
- “Digital laboratories as Open Educational Resources – Challenges and Solutions” by Sebastian Zug, TU Bergakademie, Freiberg, Germany
- “Re-thinking engineering for inclusiveness!” by Carmen Peláez-Moreno UC3M University, Madrid, Spain
GECon 2022, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- “Social Gamification Works!” by Alexandru Iosup Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Netherlands
- “Enhanced Learning on digital health” by Conrad Attard, Chair of IEEE Region 8 Professional and Education activities subcommittee.
- “Massive Open Online Learning” by Thomas Staubitz Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Germany