Big ideas, unforgettable memories: Reflections from our final day in Gothenburg

We’re concluding four spectacular days in Gothenburg at #EAIE2025. With more than 7000 participants representing 106 countries, this year’s conference truly embodied the spirit of GO-create, demonstrating just how powerful we are when we come together. Over the course of the week, new partnerships formed, lasting friendships were forged, and fresh knowledge and ideas flowed freely across the global higher education community. As the 35th edition of the EAIE Conference and Exhibition comes to a close, we’re reflecting on some of our favourite moments from the week. 

Opening Reception at Lisbeberg 

We couldn’t recap our highlights of #EAIE2025 without spotlighting one of the week’s most memorable moments: our sold-out Opening Reception at Liseberg. On Tuesday, after a day filled with orientation, registration, and discovery, participants simply crossed the street from Svenska Mässan to arrive at Scandinavia’s second most-visited theme park—where a magical evening awaited. With exclusive access to thrilling rides like Balder, Valkyria, and Loke, alongside festive bites and lively conversations, the reception quickly became the largest networking event of the week. Participants were greeted by stilt-walking entertainers, golden sunshine, and an unmistakable sense of anticipation for the days ahead that ended on the dance floor. At the same time, across the city, another special event was taking shape with our President's Reception. The Lord Mayor of Gothenburg, Aslan Akbas, welcomed guests to the city of Gothenburg, while our EAIE President Sara López Selga presented the EAIE President’s Award to Dr. Allan Goodman. In his acceptance speech, he called on everyone to be courageous and try to facilitate peace within education. 

In the spirit of Midsommar 

We couldn’t host a conference in Sweden without embracing a touch of Midsommar. This much-loved tradition, celebrated around the longest day of the year, marks the season of light, joy, and community. To give participants a taste of Swedish culture, our first networking event of the week on Wednesday carried this festive theme. At the scenic waterfront venue Kajskjul 8, participants gathered over drinks and finger food to reflect on the day’s experiences while connecting with fellow participants and EAIE members. The sold-out evening featured flower-crown making, traditional Swedish music and dancing, and opportunities to learn more about our Thematic Committee members and their contributions to the sector.

The EAIE Choir and moments of reflection

As part of a cherished annual tradition, the EAIE Choir once again filled the closing plenary with song. With 200 voices rising together, our talented participants opened with a Swedish piece whose lyrics, translated, remind us to "breathe in, breathe out, it gets better eventually." In a joyful nod to our host country, the performance concluded with an acoustic rendition of ''Mamma Mia'' by the renowned Swedish pop group ABBA, leaving the audience energised and smiling. After the choir’s performance, EAIE President Sara Lopez Selga took the stage. She posed the question, ''How did the EAIE GO-create this week?'' and answered it herself: ''By engaging with as many participants and volunteers as we possibly could.'' Lastly, she announced the launch of the EAIE Doctoral Research Grants, an exciting new initiative to support emerging scholars. She shared that new grants will be made available each year, with the results and impact to be celebrated in future conferences.

Top moments from our Closing Plenary

Wrapping up an unforgettable conference week, the Closing Plenary offered participants a moment to reflect on the highlights of EAIE Gothenburg 2025. Before the closing keynote, the audience was invited into a meditative pause — a few minutes of calm movement and deep breathing that encouraged reflection on an intensive yet rewarding week. The stage then welcomed this year’s closing keynote speaker, Swedish journalist, author, and Gothenburg native, Andreas Ekström. In his thought-provoking talk, he explored how the ongoing AI revolution is reshaping the way we learn, innovate, and make decisions. He introduced the idea of organic intelligence, the unique capacity of the human mind, and highlighted the crucial distinction between creating technology and using it. On the subject of AI, Ekström remarked that "early uses of AI are too flawed for us to make a final judgement." He concluded with a powerful reminder: while technology is built by engineers, its future must be shaped by all of us. Every voice, every skill, and every perspective is needed. To build on his key takeaways, Andreas Ekström joined EAIE Vice-President Tayyeb Shah for a lively Q&A session. The plenary then drew to a close with a highlights video celebrating the week’s best moments, followed by an exciting sneak peek at what’s in store for Glasgow in 2026.

With that, we close the chapter on an unforgettable conference. This year’s edition of the EAIE Conference and Exhibition proved that by sharing responsibilities and addressing different aspects of projects, challenges, and problems collectively, we can achieve more. This principle has been a guiding light for the past week, and we leave Gothenburg with endless memories, new ideas and energy to go into the world and GO-collaborate further. With that, we say "tack så mycket'' , and look forward to seeing you next year in Glasgow!