Hybrid International Industry Engagement Workshop on AI: A Resounding Success
The second edition of the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, organised by the MERIT project, took place on 18 June 2025 in a hybrid format —both on-site in Vilnius, Lithuania, and online— and proved to be a resounding success.
Held alongside the project’s in-person General Assembly, hosted by VILNIUS TECH from 17 to 19 June, the workshop offered a dynamic setting for meaningful exchange between academia and industry.
The event was chaired by Prof. Ilker Demirkol from UPC, MERIT Project Coordinator, who opened the session by outlining the project’s vision and mission in its third year. This edition focused on emerging AI technologies, their real-world applications, and the opportunities and challenges they present.
Participants from across Europe — including SMEs, higher education institutions, AI experts, and students — welcomed the combination of insightful presentations and interactive discussions, designed to spark innovation and strengthen collaboration across the European AI ecosystem.
Workshop Highlights
The event began with the compelling keynote “Data Science & AI in Healthcare: Quick Intro for Practitioners”, presented by Dr. Giuseppe Jurman (Humanitas University), which provided a practical view of how data science and artificial intelligence are already transforming the medical field.
This was followed by a series of engaging presentations from participating organisations and MERIT project partners. Topics included:
These thought-provoking sessions offered participants deeper insights into both the potential and complexities of AI integration across different sectors.
The session concluded with a lively panel discussion led by MERIT participants and partners on “What AI Related Skills and Experience are Needed for Current AI Specialist”. Speakers addressed the importance of technical knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical awareness, and adaptability — all crucial elements for aligning education and training with industry needs.
The MERIT project was represented by the following featured experts:
- Prof. Antanas Čenys (VILNIUS TECH).
- Prof. Agris Ņikitenko (RTU).
- Prof. Ilker Demirkol (UPC).
- Prof. Kristo Karjust (TALTECH).
Looking Ahead
The hybrid format of the AI workshop enabled inclusive participation, helping to build connections that transcend national borders and institutional boundaries. A recording of the full event is available here.
To stay informed about future events, project updates, and opportunities to get involved in MERIT’s AI initiatives, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, subscribe to our newsletter, and visit the MERIT project website: https://digitalmerit.eu.
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