LMDDC was proud to return to the EUNIS 2025 Congress in Belfast, continuing our tradition of engaging with Europe’s higher education IT community. As the digital transformation of the academic landscape accelerates, we remain committed to contributing to the evolving dialogue on immersive and AI-powered learning. We are especially grateful to Evelien Renders and Angeliki Agorogianni, EUNIS President and Treasurer, for their kind invitation and warm welcome. Their leadership and vision helped foster a truly successful and forward-looking event. At the same time, we deeply missed the presence of Gill Ferrell, whose energy and insight are always appreciated.

Representing Luxembourg’s dedication to educational innovation, our team presented a hands-on workshop led by Györgyi "Gira" Szakmár and Pierre de La Celle. After sharing insights from our projects and offering practical takeaways for integrating flexible, we presented actionable strategies through guided activities and live demonstrations. Our focus was not just on the technology itself, but on its pedagogical value - namely, how immersive environments can enhance engagement on top of being visually compelling.

Participants interacted with immersive learning tools using VR headsets, mobile devices and desktop simulations. These experiences were built with authoring tools designed for modularity and easy customisation, enabling educators to adapt and reuse content across subjects and platforms without requiring technical expertise. Attendees experienced game-based learning and explored how immersive tools can support evolving pedagogical approaches, increase accessibility and motivation, and be scaled up across institutions..

Their active participation affirmed the growing interest in using immersive technologies not as novelties, but as integral tools for student success and institutional agility.

The Congress was packed with insightful talks - the programme and most presentations are available. One of these was delivered by our colleagues from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, who introduced a series of forward-thinking learning projects that harness VR to elevate experiential learning across a range of disciplines. One project featured an immersive chemistry lab where students could explore molecular structures and chemical reactions interactively. Another focused on medical and dental simulations that allow learners to safely build practical skills. A further initiative blended storytelling with 3D visualisation in history and geology, using narrative immersion to strengthen motivation and memory. Together, these examples demonstrated how immersive tools can enrich experiential learning across disciplines.

Another highlight was the presentation by Malte Dreyer and his team from Humboldt University. They discussed their structured implementation of AI in academic and administrative areas, emphasising data privacy and governance, and the development of digital sovereignty through the use of open-source tools and local AI infrastructure. They support both tech staff and educators in applying AI responsibly in teaching, assessment, and institutional services through workshops, training programmes, and the creation of internal tools like chatbots and agent systems.

Special mention must go to the Titanic Belfast tour, which offered a powerful, immersive museum experience combining emotional storytelling with innovative digital design. Titanic Belfast delivers a deeply immersive experience through multisensory storytelling and cutting-edge digital design. Visitors journey through nine themed galleries - such as Boomtown Belfast, The Shipyard, The Maiden Voyage and The Sinking - where 270° projections, interactive floor systems, animated touchscreens and atmospheric audio-visuals recreate the sights, sounds and emotions of Titanic’s construction, launch and the tragic voyage of The Titanic. One dramatic highlight is the 7.6-metre rotating scale model of the ship, suspended in the two-storey 'Ship of Dreams' gallery. Here, floor-to-ceiling imagery, an orchestral soundtrack and personal stories combine to trigger powerful emotional responses. These immersive installations, enhanced by dozens of synchronised Panasonic projectors, convey both technical spectacle and profound human connection, making Titanic Belfast a standout example of how interactive technology can transform historical storytelling. The gala dinner in the replica Titanic dining room was both elegant and moving, providing the perfect end to the day.

Visiting Studio Ulster, one of the world’s largest virtual production facilities, was also exceptional. Studio Ulster is a groundbreaking virtual production campus in Belfast. Spanning roughly 7000 m² at Belfast Harbour Studios, it features two LED volume stages, comprehensive motion‑capture facilities, a 3D/4D scanning suite, and the CoSTAR Screen Lab for cutting‑edge R&D Positioned as one of Europe’s most advanced studios, comparable to those used for high‑end productions like The Mandalorian. We were lucky to tour the space just before its official opening.

This year’s EUNIS felt like more than just a professional gathering. It was a reunion of passionate educators, technologists, and innovators working to shape the future of learning. As we walked through the streets of Belfast, surrounded by street art, great food, and inspiring people, we felt recharged, full of ideas and appreciation for this vibrant community that we are proud to be part of.