Innovation and Collaboration Take Centre Stage at CHAS Teaching and Learning Symposium
DUBLIN, 12 March 2026 – The College of Health and Agricultural Sciences (CHAS) held its annual Teaching and Learning Symposium today, gathering educators and innovators to discuss the future of pedagogy in the health and agricultural sectors. The event was officially opened by Professor Jonathan McNulty, Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning at CHAS. Delivering the opening address on behalf of Professor Michael Keane, Head of College, Professor McNulty welcomed delegates to the new O’Connor Centre for Future Learning, which hosted the day's proceedings.
In his address, Professor McNulty noted that the new facility provides an ideal setting for delivering excellence in teaching and learning and facilitating different educational approaches. As the largest college within UCD, with 7,500 students, CHAS remains dedicated to the constant evolution of its curriculum. Professor McNulty stated that "we focus on the innovation and enhancement of teaching and learning on a daily basis," with a goal to continually enhance both teaching standards and the overall student experience.
The symposium underscored how the college strategy “Collective Minds for a Healthier World” aligns with the broader university vision, Breaking Boundaries. Professor McNulty described key pillars of this strategy include social learning to create new opportunities for interactive student engagement, professional and interdisciplinary learning to foster collaboration across disciplines, and clinical simulation to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In a significant update, Professor McNulty announced that the College Strategy on Clinical Simulation is finalised and will be released soon, marking a major milestone in the college’s pedagogical development.
Following the opening, the first session on AI in Teaching and Learning was moderated by Associate Professor Shane Foley along with School Heads of Teaching and Learning, Dr Keith Smart and Professor Sharleen O'Reilly. Dr Leigh Wolf, Interim Director of UCD Teaching and Learning, introduced the keynote speakers: Dr Hazel Farrell and Mr Ken McCarthy from South Eastern Technological University (SETU). Their address focused on the (opens in a new window)Manifesto for Generative AI in Higher Education, published in September 2025. Described as a "living reflection on teaching, learning and technology in an age of abundance," the manifesto served as a conversation starter to promote dialogue throughout the symposium. With 92% of students admitting to using AI, the speakers emphasised that educators have a responsibility to respond by "allowing controversial opinions and conversations to become part of our narrative."
Photo (L to R) Dr Leigh Wolf UCD, Dr Hazel Farrell and Mr Ken McCarthy from South Eastern Technological University (SETU), Associate Professor Shane Foley UCD and Professor Jonathan McNulty, VP for Teaching & Learning, UCD College of Health & Agricultural Sciences.
The session also addressed the monumental task and stress placed on educators, suggesting triage risk assessment tools to protect human wellbeing. Challenging the idea of neutral data, which they described as a "chorus of inherited biases," the speakers referenced the work of the European Artificial Intelligence Office in Strasbourg and its move toward assessing human impact rather than just tools. Ultimately, they argued that educators "owe students courage over caution," asserting that ethics must be a foundation, not a footnote. They concluded that "sustainable systems are those that start with a conscience, not compliance," and that "the legacy is not the machine but the mind that guided it."
An interactive session followed, led by Dr Leigh Wolf, Interim Director of UCD Teaching and Learning, and Associate Professor Shane Foley. This facilitated dialogue focused on identifying the specific needs and concerns of staff regarding the use of Generative AI, exploring how the university can best support faculty as they navigate this technological shift.
The event closed with a panel of students from across the college, ensuring the learner's voice remained central to the conversation. The student panel highlighted a proactive approach to the future of education, viewing AI as a partner in deep learning rather than a shortcut. They shared insights into how they use these tools to bridge gaps in their understanding and enhance their research capabilities, emphasising a desire to use technology to strengthen their own knowledge. To ensure a secure digital environment, the panel also advocated for mindful data practices, highlighting the importance of protecting the intellectual property and unique insights found in university lecture materials while exploring these new frontiers.
Attendees also heard from three of last year’s awardees of the CHAS Collaborative Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning Grants:
- Dr Lisa Rogers (UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems) on codesigning virtual simulations for interprofessional competency.
- Dr Michael Connolly (UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems) on an interdisciplinary approach to concept-based teaching.
- Dr Mark Pickering (UCD School of Medicine) on the 3D revolution in anatomy learning using photogrammetry.
The event concluded with a strong message: the strength of CHAS lies in its collective innovation. By sharing successes in AI and interdisciplinary projects across all five schools, the college is building a future-proof educational environment. With a shared commitment to excellence and a conscience-first approach to technology, the future of health sciences education at UCD has never looked more promising.