International Summer Institute on Educational Research 2025: Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration into education brings unprecedented opportunities for innovation alongside complex challenges that demand rigorous, evidence-based exploration. This year, our International Summer Institute on Educational Research will focus on AI in Education. Our aim is to foster an in-depth examination of empirical research on AI’s application across diverse educational domains. Through interactive sessions, participants will explore empirical methodologies and insights on AI’s impact in education, guided by leading experts and researchers in the field.

The Summer Institute will offer young researchers an opportunity to present their work, receive feedback from leading experts in the field, and refine their ideas through collaborative dialogue. It’s a chance to build academic connections, and spark new ideas for your research.

The Summer Institute is jointly organized by the Faculty of Computer Sciences at East China Normal University and the Institute of Education at HSE University. These institutions are driving cutting-edge interdisciplinary studies that explore the intersection of AI and education, paving the way for innovative practices and policies that address the challenges and opportunities of an AI.

Key features of the Summer Institute:

Discussion of your research ideas with leading experts in the field;
Strong emphasis on empirical strategies;
Multidisciplinarity;
Cross-national perspectives (faculty and participants from different parts of the World);
Friendly and supportive environment and motivation for a fruitful academic discussion.

Main tracks

AI and Skills

This track explores how AI is reshaping the skills needed in today’s world and how education systems must adapt. It focuses on AI-driven changes in skill structures, curriculum design, and their implications across general, higher, and vocational education, highlighting economic, pedagogical, and technological perspectives.

AI and Assessment (Psychometric)

This track explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational and psychological assessment, focusing on its transformative potential and methodological innovations. Topics include:

The application of AI, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), to enhance the data analysis.
Turning the traditional assessment models like Item Response Theory (IRT) and Factor Analysis (FA) into ANNs with the potential to advance these models beyond traditional formats (e.g., multiple-choice) to include process data, speech, and images, broadening the scope of measurable constructs.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in constructing AI-driven assessments, analyzing real-world data, and interpreting parameters. Discussions will address the ethical and practical implications of using AI in education, highlighting its role in transforming assessment practices and advancing computational behavioral science.

NB! There are some prerequisites for this track:

A solid grounding in statistical models popular in the social sciences (e.g., linear and logistic regressions, Factor Analysis, IRT, path analysis).
A laptop with Python installed, ready for coding exercises.

AI and Pedagogy

This track examines how AI transforms teaching and learning processes, including personalized content delivery, AI-based feedback, simulations for experiential learning, and AI-driven skills assessments. Participants will explore empirical research on the effectiveness of these tools and the challenges of integrating them into educational practice.

AI, Regulation and implementation in Universities

This track of the Summer School will focus on how different actors within universities are adapting to the use of generative AI in their activities and what rules are being established at the university level. Discussions will also explore comparative perspectives on generative AI policies in different countries and universities, highlighting how different contexts shape regulatory approaches. Participants will present their research, empirical findings, case studies and theoretical approaches to the adaptation and governance of generative AI in universities.

Keynote speakers

Denis Federiakin

Department of Business and Economics Education, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany, Department of Educational Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany

Jing Leng

Associate Professor, Department of Education Information Technology, East China Normal University

Chanjin Zheng

PhD in Educational Psychology, Shanghai Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Education, East China Normal University

Yaroslav Kuzminov

Academic Supervisor of HSE University

Evgeniy Terentev

PhD in Sociology, Dean, Institute of Education HSE University

Vera Maltseva

PhD in Economics, Director of the Centre for Skills Development and Vocational Education

Andrei Ternikov

PhD in Economics, Senior Lecturer at HSE Campus in St. Petersburg

Ling Li

Associate Researcher, Shanghai Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Education, East China Normal University

Michael Fanguy

Assistant Professor, Department of English Language Education, The Education University of Hong Kong

Format and Activities

The Summer Institute will combine lectures, workshops, and collaborative sessions. Each track will feature presentations from prominent researchers and educators, interactive discussions, and hands-on labs to deepen participants’ understanding of empirical research techniques in the context of AI applications. Participants will also present their research proposals submitted during the application process, receiving valuable feedback from both lecturers and peers. Additionally, cross-track panels and networking events will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary insights and discussions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Eligibility

The call is open for MA and PhD students and early-career researchers with up to 5 years of experience after completion of PhD. Applicants are invited to submit extended research proposals, CV and a motivation letter. Applications are evaluated by a panel of reviewers.

Submission information

Prepare Submission

Proposals should describe your own empirical study and must not exceed 2,500 words (approximately four single-spaced pages). References, tables, and figures are not included in the word limit. The structure of proposals should include the following elements: Purpose of the paper, Design/methodology, Findings, Research limitations, Social and Practical implications, Significance of paper, 3-4 keywords, References.

In addition to proposals applicants are to submit a CV and a motivation letter. Motivation letters must not exceed 700 words (approximately one single-spaced page).

All the papers submitted should be in English.
Submit Application

Submit the application using the special form.

The deadline for submission is April, 6, 2025.
Selection Participants

The Summer Institute Committee will select participants and confirm acceptance in the beginning of May

Location and Date

East China Normal University (Shanghai), 07-12 July 2025.

Participation fee

International Summer Institute has a participation fee of $350, which includes meals during the school sessions, participant package, cultural day programme, welcome and closing buffets. Participants will cover their own travel costs and accommodation. Visa support will be provided if necessary. The Organizing committee will provide assistance with accommodation.

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Should you have any questions regarding the Summer Institute, please contact us at: summerschoolai25@gmail.com

Educational Research 2025: Artificial Intelligence in Education