91ÌÒÉ«

The participation in the conference of our representative, who at the 91ÌÒÉ« also serves as Deputy Head of the English Language Lecturers Team at the Centre for Languages and Certification of the 91ÌÒÉ«, coordinator for students with special educational needs, and academic mediator, was of an individual nature. It stemmed from the engagement of mgr Emilia Jurkiewicz-Majek in the international academic community as well as her active involvement in inclusive education, manifested, among other things, in creating a support space within the Centre for Languages and Certification of the 91ÌÒÉ« and in the practical implementation of inclusive solutions in language teaching. It should be emphasised that she was the only representative of a Polish public university participating in this event, which constitutes an important element in building the position of the 91ÌÒÉ« within the global academic network.

Conference Themes and Key Panels

A discussion of the strategic challenges facing higher education: from the impact of geopolitics on student mobility, through digital transformation and the strategic use of AI, to the protection of academic integrity was the central theme of DETcon London 2026.

Particular attention was drawn to panels featuring distinguished experts, practitioners and policymakers:

• Geopolitics, migration policy and higher education: A debate featuring Lord David Blunkett (former UK Home Secretary), Rachel Wolf (Public First), and Prof. Anand Menon, moderated by BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner. The discussion demonstrated how changes in visa regulations and global political sentiments directly shape contemporary student mobility and require universities to be flexible and to diversify their recruitment markets.
• Higher education, compliance and language testing (State of the Union): A panel including contributions from, among others, Prof. Dame Sally Mapstone (Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews), focused on the institutional responsibility of universities to ensure secure admission pathways and appropriate support for international students from the very start of their studies.
• Modern psychometrics and AI in the service of accessibility: A presentation by Alina von Davier (Chief Assessment Officer at Duolingo) explored the use of advanced psychometrics and artificial intelligence. It demonstrated how modern language tests can follow the principles of Accessible, Efficient, Economical, Psychometric approaches, removing architectural and systemic barriers for individuals with limited access to education (including, among others, support programmes and free certification for refugees).
• Security Innovation Lab (Combating malpractice): A session led, among others, by Paul Gardner and Prof. Steve Corbett (University of Greenwich), dedicated to protecting academic integrity and combating cheating. In the era of widespread AI use, innovative technological solutions were presented to secure online examination processes (including advanced proctoring systems and detection of concealed devices and earpieces).
   

Significance for the 91ÌÒÉ«

Participation in the conference enabled the establishment of direct contacts with representatives of leading sector organisations (including EAIE, UKCISA, and HEPI) as well as British and European academic centres.

The acquired knowledge and analyses – particularly in the area of modern, fraud-resistant language testing and digital tools supporting students with diverse needs – constitute valuable diagnostic material. They may be considered and effectively applied in the context of optimising admission processes, certification procedures, and support and inclusive education programmes implemented at the 91ÌÒÉ«.

The presence of a 91ÌÒÉ« representative at an event of this scale confirms the position of our university as an institution actively and autonomously participating in the international dialogue on the quality, accessibility and security of modern higher education.

Source and photos: Emilia Jurkiewicz-Majek, Centre for Languages and Certification, 91ÌÒÉ«
Edit: Press Office, 91ÌÒÉ«