🎓 Join Us at the ACED Annual Conference 2025! 🏗️🤖🔐
We’re excited to announce that ACED will be hosting its annual conference at Leeds University this year!
This flagship event brings together the entire ACED community to explore the latest developments and pressing challenges in Artificial Intelligence, Security, and beyond — all within the context of the Civil Engineering Higher Education sector.
Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or practitioner, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to shaping the future of civil engineering in the digital age.
📍 Location: Leeds University
📅 Date: 4th – 5th September 2025
🎯 Topics: AI, Security, Innovation, and Sector Challenges
We’d love to see as many of you there as possible — let’s make this year’s conference the most impactful yet!
👉 Stay tuned for registration details and the full agenda.
#ACED2025 #CivilEngineering #AIinHE #CyberSecurity #HigherEdInnovation #LeedsUniversity
Conference Location
Conference Location – Lecture Theatre B in the School of Chemical and Process (Thurs/Fri daytime)) Engineering, Clarendon Road, Leeds 2 Google maps ref: School of Chemical and Process Engineering – Google Maps
Conference Dinner Location – University House, the University of Leeds
(Thurs evening) Google maps ref: School of Chemical and Process Engineering
Accommodation
There are a variety of hotels around Leeds city centre. Here are some recommendations:
North City Centre (Closest to University)
- Premier Inn City Centre – Leeds Arena – Hepworth Point, Clay Pit Ln, Leeds LS2 8BQ • 0333 321 9266 (Closest to venue)
- ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena – Wade Ln, Leeds LS2 8NJ (Codes for preferential rates – Client code: SCP3308289, Access code: UN893GB741)
- easyHotel Leeds City Centre – 18-22 Lands Ln, Leeds LS1 6LB
- ibis budget Leeds Centre Crown Point – 2, The Gateway North, Crown Point Rd, Leeds LS9 8BZ • 0113 245 0725
- Travelodge Leeds Central Vicar Lane – 107 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS1 6PJ
- The Wrens – 61A New Briggate, Leeds LS2 8JG
- Mansio Suites Headrow – 10 Butts Ct, Leeds LS1 5JS
Leeds Train Station Area
- The Queens Hotel – New Station Street City Square, Leeds LS1 1PJ
- DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre – Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds LS1 4BR (Quote Leeds University res no 3291313021 when booking to receive preferential rates)
We recommend booking accommodation early as Leeds is a popular destination
Draft Programme – ACED conference 4-5 September 2025
Day 1 – Thursday September 4th 2025
09:00 Registration
09:45 Welcome and introduction (TBC)
10:00 SESSION 1 – Update from the JBM PEI’s
Chair – TBC
10:05 – 10:25 – JBM Update – Dr Mike Bather (Chair of JBM)
10:25 – 10:45 – Update from ICE – Elena Rinaldi
10:45-11:05 – Update from ISTRUCTE – Rebecca Carey
11:05 COFFEE
11:20 SESSION 1 (Cont’d)
11:25 – 11:45 – Update from CIHT – Mitesh Solanki
11:45 – 12:05 – Update from IHE – Lyle Andrew
12:05-12:35 – Update from PWI – Brian Counter
12:35-12:50 – Discussion
12:50 LUNCH
13:45 SESSION 2 – Impact of AI on HE Assessment
Chair – TBC
13:45 -14:05 – AI in Higer Education – Challenges & Opportunities – Samantha Pugh (University of Leeds)
14:05 -14:25 – Navigating Skill Gains and Losses in the Era of Generative AI – Students’ Perspectives – Amy Allhouse & Joanna Ye (University of Leeds)
14:25-14:45 – Scaffolding Success: Digitally Enhanced Learning for Civil Engineering Design Modules – Dr Ashani Ranathunga (University of Leeds)
14:45-15:00 – Discussion
15:00 TEA
15:15 SESSION 3 – VR in Engineering Education
15:15 – 16:45 – Visit to Helix (UoL Learning Innovation Hub) including a presentation and interactive session delivered by Dr Mohsen Besharat, Dr Ana Heitor (TBC) and Dr Michal Drewniok (TBC) on the use of VR in engineering education in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds
16:45 Day 1 Close
16:45 – 17:30 AGM (held in Helix)
19:00 Conference Dinner (University House, the University of Leeds)
Day 2 – Friday September 5th 2025
09:00 SESSION 4 – AI in Industry
Chair – TBC
09:00-9:25 – Human-centred evidence-based augmented-intelligence – Diego Padilla Phillips – (WSP)
09:25-09:50 – Applied AI: Civil Infrastructure & Risk – Claire Butcher (Mind Foundry)
09:50-10:15 – TBC – Matt Peck (Atkins Realis)
10:15-10:45 – Discussion
10:45 COFFEE
11:00-11:20 – Local AI in Practice: Automating Assessment & Simulation Workflows – Dr Evan John Ricketts (Cardiff University)
11:20-11:40 – Generative AI, State of the Art in Education and AI Fluency – Michael Callaghan (Ulster University)
11:40-12:00 – Gen AI and Academic Integrity: Navigating Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethics in Higher Education – Dr Lorna Waddington (University of Leeds)
12:00-12:15 – Discussion
12:15 LUNCH
13:15-13:35 – Avoiding Scams, Fraud and Phishing: Developing confidence and skills through empathetic learning – Dr Lucy Hamilton and Myfanwy Howarth (University of Leeds)
13:35-13:55 – Meeting AHEP4 Learning Outcome M10 ‘Security’ – Richard Kirkham (University of Manchester)
13:55-14:15 – Discussion
14:15 COFFEE
14:30 – 15:30 Open Discussion Chaired by
15:30 Conference Close