Launch of AIEOU

On 29 April 2025, the AIEOU Hub opened its virtual doors with a landmark digital launch thanks to establishment funding from the Social Sciences Division. More than 600 educators, researchers, policymakers, industry collaborators, and students registered to join online from over 100 countries, filling the chat with warm greetings, shared insights, and new connections. The atmosphere was vibrant and hopeful, reflecting a shared commitment to shaping the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence. As one policymaker from Korea reflected, “It was a real pleasure to join today’s launch and see how much energy, expertise, and commitment is driving this initiative forward.”

AIEOU’s work spans four key areas: design, regulation, implementation, and impact. The hub is the product of an interdisciplinary vision, grounded in participatory research and communities of practice that bring together educators, technologists, and policymakers from around the world. Echoing this spirit, a university academic from the UAE described the event as “an inspiring launch for what promises to be a transformative, global initiative. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration couldn’t be more timely or necessary… Excited to see how this evolves and thrilled to witness the momentum building from day one.”

During the launch event, attendees heard from leaders across the University of Oxford, including Professor Anne Trefethen (Pro Vice Chancellor, Digital) and Professor Victoria Murphy (Director, Department of Education). Both underlined the University’s commitment to advancing AI in education in ways that are ethical, evidence-based, and globally inclusive. Dr Sara Ratner, Founder of AIEOU, introduced the team and shared the creative origins of the hub’s name which, inspired by the five vowels (A, E, I, O, U), transformed into AIEOU as a symbol of innovation and reinvention.

The launch also introduced the hub’s growing global community. From a list of 30 founding academics in December 2024, AIEOU has expanded to more than 1,000 members across 100 countries, achieving strong gender parity and drawing in educators, researchers, and practitioners at every career stage. The hub has recently been endorsed by the UK National Commission for UNESCO and nominated for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize, underscoring its international significance. A technologist from Canada captured the excitement at this rapid growth: “Incredible! In November 2024, you were estimating about 30 of us... over 1000... just amazing!”

Feedback from participants captured both the personal and systemic impact of the event. One attendee described AIEOU as “an exceptional source of mentorship and guidance,” while another celebrated it as “a great event connecting people around the world.” A policymaker responsible for safeguarding children’s rights in digital spaces wrote after the launch to request AIEOU’s input into national guidance, reflecting how the hub’s expertise is shaping policy in real time. A deputy head teacher in the UK noted, “Great to attend and see just what an amazing group you have managed to assemble from all over the world! Looking forward to collaborating on the four key research themes.” From the perspective of early career researchers, a PhD student in India shared, “Excited for everything that’s coming next and proud to be part of this growing community!” while another in Australia described the event as “fantastic – so clear and informative. You could sense the excitement and buzz from the chat!!”

Looking ahead, AIEOU is building on the momentum of its launch by offering new opportunities for collaboration. Plans will bring educators, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to Oxford, while a series of international conferences in 2025 will give members the chance to share ideas, co-create solutions, and strengthen the global network.

The launch of AIEOU was more than a single event; it was the beginning of a movement. By combining cutting-edge research with international collaboration, the hub is helping to ensure that AI in education is designed responsibly, implemented equitably, and used to create lasting benefits for learners and societies worldwide. From shaping policy and safeguarding children’s rights to improving digital literacy and inclusion, AIEOU is demonstrating what impact beyond academia looks like in practice.