🚀 Excited to share the upcoming IFEES-GEDC Special Session!
This session brings together global thought leaders to explore how engineering intersects with peace, trust, education, and AI. From visionary initiatives like the Peace Engineering Consortium (PEC) to timely topics like trustworthy engineers, AI’s role in society, and ethics in engineering education, this event sets the tone for a future-focused dialogue.
🔹 Program Highlights
Welcome & Introduction
Dr. Hans Hoyer (IFEES/GEDC)
Luis Manuel Sánchez Ruiz (IFEES President)
Peace Engineering Consortium (PEC) & ERVA
Dr. Ramiro Jordan (UNM) discussed PEC’s pitch to the NSF’s ERVA initiative.
Despite administrative delays, PEC continues to develop a robust body of knowledge aligned with TRUST principles Transparency, Responsibility, User-focus, Sustainability, and Technology.
Key focus: Combatting misinformation and building peace through engineering.
Educating Trustworthy Engineers
Dr. Yannis Yortsos (USC) and Dr. Jaime Bonilla-RÃos(Tec de Monterrey) addressed the need for engineering ethics, character, and the role of engineers in managing AI’s societal impact.
Notable initiative: NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program and the emphasis on character in engineering education globally.
The Expanding Role of AI in Engineering and Society
Dr. Anupam Joshi (UMBC) presented use cases including wildfire modeling and narrative detection in social media.
Emphasized AI’s dual role in solving technical challenges and addressing social polarization.
Celebrating Women Engineering Day
Led by Dr. Kammy Sanghera (GMU) with video presentations from Dr. Mrs. Sushma Kulkarni and Dr. Paloma Diaz highlighting leadership and gender diversity in global engineering education.
Engineering Education Journals in the AI Era
Dr. Shen Ye (Tsinghua University) sparked discussion on how journals like Engineering Education Review (EER) should adapt to the AI-driven research landscape, encouraging cross-border collaboration and innovation.
Closing Comments
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Hoyer concluded the session, reinforcing the need for global cooperation and responsible innovation.
🔹 Recurring Themes Across Sessions
Ethics and character as essential engineering traits in the AI era.
The importance of peace engineering, interdisciplinarity, and combating misinformation.
Gender equity and the advancement of women in engineering.
Adapting academic publishing to the rapid evolution of AI and societal needs.