FUNDED PROJECTS
NAI²TURE
Network for Accessible and Interdisciplinary AI Transformation at Universities through Research and Exchange
Category: ENLIGHT Thematic Network
University:
University of the Basque Country, University of Bordeaux, University of Galway, University of Groningen, Uppsala University
Period:
2025-2027
NAI²TURE is a thematic network initiative committed to advancing digital literacy in higher education through the lens of equity and accessibility.
Amid ongoing breakthroughs in AI technologies and their growing presence in academic contexts, existing research and policy guidelines often fail to address the complex pedagogical, ethical, and institutional challenges that these tools present. In response, the purpose of NAI²TURE is twofold: firstly, to promote a critical approach to AI literacy rooted in accessibility and equity paradigms for faculty members; and secondly, to contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary research agenda on AI in higher education, grounded in real life teaching practices and inclusive design principles.
These goals are realised through the creation of a robust transnational community of practice, serving as a foundation for both pedagogical innovation and collaborative research. NAI²TURE leverages the expertise of its members across six ENLIGHT universities to co-develop modular, open-access resources aligned with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0), curate best practices, and support peer consultation. Simultaneously, it fosters new collaborations by integrating disciplinary perspectives—from law and psychology to data science and pedagogy—and employing both classical and AI-driven methodologies to investigate inclusive, effective AI integration in education.
The initiative contributes actively to European and institutional policy dialogue, aligning with ENLIGHT’s strategic challenge domains (Digital Revolution, Culture & Creativity, and Equity). Through this structure, NAI²TURE not only advances the responsible and reflective use of AI in higher education but also positions itself as a driver of interdisciplinary, evidence-based research that informs both teaching practice and policy development across Europe.
Personal highlight:
The collaborative spirit to facilitate accessibility of NAI²TURE. Furthermore, we are connecting diverse disciplines and cultures across six ENLIGHT universities in a transnational community of practice dedicated to AI literacy in higher education. The emphasis on accessibility ensures that AI integration benefits all learners, while the exchange of expertise fosters innovation that is both inclusive and adaptable. NAI²TURE is not just about technology – it’s about shaping equitable futures for education in the digital age.
Participants and Stakeholders
- Coordinator: Dr. Alexander Silbersdorff
- Other Partner Institutions: University of Basque Country, Bordeaux, Galway, Groningen and Uppsala.
Team Composition:
Interdisciplinary mix of senior and early-career researchers from pedagogy, psychology, data science, law, AI ethics, and accessibility studies.
- Alexander Silbersdorff (Data Science & AI ethics; Coordinator: Exchange Coordination Group)
- Mari Mar Boilos/Nahia Idoiaga (Pedagogy; Coordinator: Higher Education Didactics)
- Gayo Diallo (Data Science; Coordinator: Digital and AI Technologies)
- Liga Klavina (Psychology & Accessibility Studies; Coordinator: Equity and Accessibility)
- Others
- Julia Berginski (Data Science & Accessibility Studies; Digital and AI Technologies & Equity and Accessibility)
- Kathinka Schlieker (Data Science; Exchange Coordination Group)
- Tri Tran (AI Ethics & Data Science; Exchange Coordination Group & Higher Education Didactics)
- Miquel Perez Torres (Pedagogy; Digital and AI Technologies & Equity and Accessibility)
- Abigail Rekas (Law; Equity and Accessibility)
Objectives
- Objective: Build and expand NAI²TURE as a pan-European university hub, that facilitates the sharing, merging, and modularisation of effective AI-focused teaching practices, as well as providing peer consultation on advancements surrounding AI-related teaching. The includes the development of:
- A shared virtual environment with the creation, interaction and exchange of at least one OER resource generated by the NAI²TURE network.
- Actionable resources for equitable and accessible AI-based teaching initiatives through the modularisation, curation and dissemination of high-quality interdisciplinary OERs with specific accounts for higher education students accessibility.
- A framework for accessibility and pedagogical guidance through the elaboration of white paper on equitable AI literacy in higher education.
- Combine leading innovations in AI in higher education through a 5-day teacher/trainer exchange programme.
Examples of collaboration may include: (re)designing courses that integrate AI tools, evaluating courses where AI tools have been implemented, or co-implementing digital or AI literacy training for higher education faculty or students
Contact
Dr. Alexander Silbersdorff
Find out more at the project website.
Additional information
NAI²TURE stands out through its unique combination of interdisciplinary expertise, commitment to accessibility, and innovative collaboration formats. Key features include:
- Interdisciplinary integration: The network unites expertise from pedagogy, psychology, AI ethics, law, and technical fields, enabling a multidimensional approach to AI literacy in higher education.
- Equity and accessibility at the core: All activities and outputs comply with standards such as WCAG 2.0, ensuring inclusive access and usability for diverse learners and educators.
- Innovative virtual platform: A multifunctional online environment will host modular, open-access AI literacy courses, best practice examples, guidelines, and a peer consultation service.
- Equitable AI literacy: Development of a White Paper on equitable AI integration, informed by stakeholder consensus and legal frameworks.
- Blended methodologies: Combining traditional research methods with data-driven analytics to assess and optimise the inclusive use of AI tools in education.
- Sustainable collaboration: Structured exchanges, joint resource creation, and targeted funding strategies ensure the network’s long-term impact beyond the initial project period.