UCP doctoral students attend T4EUPhD Conference and Matchmaking Event
‘Artificial Intelligence and Society’ was the main topic at Transform4Europe's PhD Conference and Matchmaking Event, held at Jean Monnet University, France, from November 13 to 14, 2024.
Marcela França and José Alves, PhD students from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), travelled to Saint-Etienne to participate in this meeting, which included panel sessions, workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI), research poster presentations, a conference, and various networking moments.
'This event presented an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of AI, gain valuable insights for my research, and connect with a diverse group of people, including PhD students, early-career researchers, and experts who share similar academic interests', explains Marcela, PhD student in Communication Studies at the Faculty of Human Sciences.
Her research focuses 'on digital transformation in higher education, exploring both the benefits and challenges of digital technologies in education'. By taking part in this event, she was able 'to gain a deeper awareness of the evolution and impact of AI on education, broadening the perspective on how these technologies can shape learning environments'.
José Alves, PhD student in nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, wanted to participate in this initiative to 'explore interdisciplinary approaches to research, particularly focusing on how AI can be utilized in healthcare and nursing'.
'The event enriched my understanding of AI's potential societal impact and its applications in healthcare. Engaging with participants from different backgrounds expanded my network and introduced me to diverse perspectives, which will undoubtedly influence and enhance my ongoing research', he shares.
Beyond all they learned, the PhD students highlight 'the diversity of participants and the interactive nature of the workshops and roundtables', which offered the opportunity to discuss ongoing research with 'with peers and experts from different academic and cultural backgrounds'.
This was their first Transform4Europe activity and both urge their colleagues to participate in these types of events.
'These activities are a fantastic opportunity to expand knowledge, gain new perspectives, and connect with inspiring individuals', says José. 'Engaging through the Transform4Europe platform offers a chance not only to broaden academic horizons but also to open doors for future collaborations', states Marcela.