As Ireland’s higher education sector enters a period of dynamic change, shaped by both national developments and evolving global contexts, the IAIE 2026 conference arrives at a particularly significant moment. Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU and the renewed Education in Ireland strategy provide a timely backdrop for reflecting on the sector’s international ambitions.

At the same time, growing momentum around transnational education, increased demand for initiatives such as Universities of Sanctuary, and the expanding development of the European Universities Alliances Initiative are opening new pathways for collaboration, inclusion, and impact. While institutions are also navigating changing financial and geopolitical realities, these shifts create valuable opportunities to reimagine how universities advance their research, teaching, and societal missions.

This year’s conference will therefore focus on strengthening resilience in international education and harnessing change as a catalyst for innovation and partnership.

IAIE 2026 will take place from Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 June at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.