Studies-Dig

Prof. Karima Selmaoui and her team at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Morocco, have hosted the secondments of researchers from the UNWE team under the STUDIES-DIG project. The host institution has prepared an intensive program for Prof. Polya Katsamunska and Assoc. prof. Tatyana Daskalova to do their research in the frame of WP5. The academic activities of their visit to the host institution include study visits and exchange of knowledge and good practices in digitalization and AI at the University Innovation Center, the faculty of science, and the faculty of technology, as well as many fruitful meetings and meaningful discussions with academic staff members from different schools and students in Master’s and PhD programs in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The UNWE researchers are in Morocco to implement their secondments under the STUDIES-DIG project. The visit of Prof. Daniela Koch has been hosted by AFEM - Association of Business Women in Morocco, and Mrs. Chaibia Alaoui has prepared an intensive program of activities, which includes a study visit to Technopark in Tanger and presentations by its key managers. In addition, many meetings and discussions have been organized at AFEM.

AI-Driven Digital Transformation: Towards Smarter Higher Education Institutions
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, in collaboration with the European Union, convened an international workshop bringing together experts from Bulgaria, Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt to advance dialogue on AI-driven digital transformation in higher education.
Held at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Qir, the event marked the launch of an international scientific programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of higher education institutions through smart digital transformation strategies. The workshop, titled “AI-Driven Digital Transformation: Towards Smarter Higher Education Institutions,” was organized under the auspices of the European Union.
The initiative is part of the STUDIES-DIG Project within the Horizon Europe Programme, which seeks to develop a comprehensive roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence into academic and administrative systems.
The workshop was opened in the presence of Dr. Alaa Abdul Bari, Vice President of the Academy for Higher Studies and Scientific Research.
The event was held by Professor Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Mehna, Project Coordinator and Assistant Dean of Students Affairs at the Academy, with a presentation on the role of the Academy pioneer in international partnerships and the deployment of technology for the scientific research service and the Academy's interest in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The program includes 4 keynote sessions that addressed key issues; Dr. Mahmoud Bushr, Director of the Secured Certificate Center, reviewed the resilience of universities in the face of digital transformation challenges, while Dr. Mariana Kovacheva from UNWE, Bulgaria, discussed "The role of AI in personal learning".
From the legislative side, Dr. Jivko Draganov presented an insight into the policies of using artificial intelligence in scientific research, while Dr. Zornitza Mladenova, D.Sc., linked the digitalization of education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The events concluded with an expanded panel conducted by Eng. Mohamed Menji, and with the participation of Dr. Osama Ismail, Advisor to the President of the Academy of Information, Dr. Ayman Adel, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at the Academy, Dr. Polia Katsamunska, Professor at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Bulgaria, and Dr. Jivko Draganov, Professor at UNWE. Bulgaria, Dr. David Feraz - Professor at ISCTE University, Portugal, and Dr. Morad Savash - NOVARGE Company, Turkey.
The discussion fostered a dynamic exchange among international experts, focusing on both the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into higher education systems and outlining practical pathways for implementation.
This initiative forms part of a broader series of activities under the STUDIES-DIG project, funded by the European Union and led by a dedicated team from the Academy, including Ahmed Khalifa Mehna, Mahmoud Bushr, and Mohamed Menji. The project aims to strengthen collaboration between Mediterranean countries and the European Union, enhance higher education outcomes, and align institutional development with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution - placing people at the center of digital transformation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bp6MLhH4B/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14bpmoEbyuf/

🚀 The Future of Learning is Here! Are You Ready? 🤖🎓

Artificial Intelligence isn't just a trend—it’s the engine driving the next generation of higher education. Whether you are a student looking for the edge in your studies, a faculty member aiming to innovate, or a researcher navigating the new rules of AI, this workshop is for YOU.

Join us for an inspiring morning at AASTMT Alexandria as we host:
✨ "AI-Driven Digital Transformation: Towards Smarter Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)" ✨

Why you can't miss this:
💡 Stay Ahead: Learn how AI creates personalized learning paths for student success.

🛡️ Stay Informed: Get the latest on university policies and ethics for AI in research.

🌍 Stay Impactful: See how digitalization aligns with Global Sustainability Goals (SDGs).

🤝 Network: Connect with international experts.

The Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
🕙 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Dr. Gamal Mukhtar Hall (Presidential Hall), AASTMT Main Campus

Don’t just watch the transformation happen—be part of it! Spaces are limited. Secure your spot now and take a step toward the "Smarter HEI" of tomorrow.


-DIG

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGtvHNrXL/

Working Meetings in Lisbon within the STUDIES‑DIG Project
Within the framework of the STUDIES‑DIG project (Horizon Europe), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Dragomirov (UNWE) and Prof. Dr. Luben Boyanov (UNWE) held a series of joint working meetings in Lisbon, Portugal, focused on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and related digital risks.
During the visit, meetings were conducted with partner organisations ESCOLA 42 – Lisbon and ESPAP (Entidade de Serviços Partilhados da Administração Pública), with an emphasis on exchange between academia, innovative education, and public administration.
During the meetings, discussions addressed practice‑based learning models, peer‑to‑peer education, and the role of AI in learning processes. Particular attention was given to the risks of over‑reliance on AI and to the importance of developing critical-thinking and independent-learning skills. Some of the meetings focused on digital transformation in the public sector, data management and protection, and the ethical and legal aspects of AI use, as well as institutional responsibility for digital risk governance.
The joint activities contribute directly to Work Package 3 – Identifying and Mapping Digital Risks and support closer cooperation between academic research, innovative educational models, and public institutions.

As part of the STUDIES-DIG project, Assis. Prof. Dr. Ventsislava Stoyanova completed a one-month mobility visit at C. School for Creative Acts SRL in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. During her stay, she met with Mrs. Paula Beudean, Development Director and General Manager of C. School, as well as researchers from Babeș-Bolyai University. She also attended a Living Lab workshop and a Design Thinking class. The mobility provided a valuable opportunity to exchange academic and practical experience and to engage in inspiring discussions on contemporary approaches to teaching, learning, and research in the digital era.