Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s New Engineering Education Transformation (MIT-NEET) program, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Aalborg University’s Centre for Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Engineering Science and Sustainability under the auspices of UNESCO convened the 9th International Research Symposium on PBL (IRSPBL23). The symposium focused on the theme of Transforming Engineering Education. It was held from June 21-23, 2023 at the MIT main campus, Cambridge, and Harvard Science and Engineering Complex, Boston. As the ninth in a series of international research symposiums, this year’s event focused on the theme “transforming engineering education”. According to Amitava ‘Babi’ Mitra, founding executive director, New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET), MIT, this marks “the first IRSPBL to take place in North America and the first conference on engineering education co-convened by MIT and Harvard University”.
The Transforming Engineering Education (TEE2023) conference was inaugurated by Professor Maria Yang, Deputy Dean of Engineering and Gail E. Kendall Professor of Mechanical Enginering, MIT and Professor Thomas Bak, Dean of the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University, Denmark. It brought together almost two hundred attendees from over twenty-five countries representing six continents. Educators, researchers, and leaders in higher education from around the globe came together to share and discuss the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the field of education. The diverse group of participants from different cultures and educational systems had the opportunity to learn from one another, gaining valuable insights into global educational practices.
TEE2023 featured fifty-nine thought-provoking research papers presented in thirteen guided discussions. These sessions served as platforms for in-depth conversations on various educational topics, allowing participants to delve into the nuances of emerging trends and challenges. Additionally, workshops provided practical knowledge and skills to attendees, equipping them with tools to address the evolving needs of modern education.The conference showcased the innovative work of six institutions from four continents, highlighting the latest advancements in educational technology, pedagogy, and learning environments. Participants had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions, interactive platforms, and experimental approaches that promote engagement, inclusivity, and personalized learning. The exhibition served as a source of inspiration, sparking conversations on how to adapt and integrate these innovations into diverse educational settings. 

According to Rea Lavi, lecturer, NEET, School of Engineering and lead instructor for SP.248 NEET Ways of Thinking at MIT, “the goal was to have ample time for sharing and reflection. The guided discussion format was designed for exactly that purpose and was very effective”. Two engaging panel discussions featuring global leaders in higher education addressed the pressing challenges faced by the sector in the "new normal." The panels facilitated a dialogue on topics such as the impact of the digital divide, the future of remote learning, and the importance of equity and accessibility in education. Participants gained valuable insights from the experiences and expertise of the panelists, sparking ideas for addressing these challenges on local and global scales. The guided, round-table discussion format was highly favored by the participants who reported the experience as “innovative and highly engaging, far more than the conventional 15 min presentations and short Q&A in most academic conferences”. 
One of the keynote addresses explored the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of education. The speaker shed light on how AI technologies can support educators in creating personalized learning experiences, adaptive assessments, and intelligent tutoring systems. The keynote address sparked meaningful discussions on the ethical implications, limitations, and future possibilities of AI in education.
The TEE2023 Conference succeeded in creating a vibrant platform for educators, researchers, and leaders to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore the evolving landscape of education. With its global participation, diverse presentations, workshops, and engaging discussions, the conference fostered a collaborative atmosphere conducive to innovation and growth. The TEE2023 Conference left its participants inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge to drive positive change in the field of education.

Conference Agenda

Addressing global challenges requires complex problem-solving, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
● ​How can we transform engineering education so that students develop these important skills?● What learnings can be shared by higher education institutions that have embarked on educational transformation processes?● What do other stakeholders in higher education, industry, and society, have to say about these efforts?
These and other questions will be discussed in a highly-interactive, in-person format at the 9th International Research Symposium on Problem-Based Learning under the theme Transforming Engineering Education.
The conference program will include workshops, guided discussions, unconference sessions, a showcase for educational innovations, and one-on-one networking pods. Topics of discussion will include collaboration with industry, development of professional competencies, education for sustainability, faculty professional development, online learning, and problem-based learning, among others.

Organizing Committees

Edward Crawley, ScDHonorary Co-chairFord Professor of Engineering, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT
Eric Mazur, PhDHonorary Co-chairBalkanski Professor of Physics & Applied Physics; Academic Dean for Applied Sciences & Engineering, Harvard SEAS
Anette Kolmos, PhD
Honorary Co-chair
Professor, Aalborg UNESCO Centre for PBL, Aalborg University
Babi Mitra, PhD
Executive Director, New Engineering Education Transformation, School of Engineering, MIT
Rebecca Nesson, PhD
Dean for Academic Programs, Harvard SEAS
Xiangyun Du, PhD
Professor, Aalborg UNESCO Centre for PBL, Aalborg University
Rea Lavi, PhD
Lecturer and Curriculum Designer, School of Engineering, MIT
Anas Chalah, PhD
Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, Harvard SEAS
Lykke Brogaard Bertel, PhD
Associate Professor, Aalborg UNESCO Centre for PBL, Aalborg University
Aida Olivia Pereira de Carvalho Guerra, PhD
Associate Professor, Aalborg UNESCO Centre for PBL, Aalborg University
Juebei Chen
PhD Candidate, Aalborg UNESCO Centre for PBL, Aalborg University

International Advisory BoardCommittees

PROF. VICTOR AYERDIDirector, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala
PROF. RAHUL BANERJEEDirector, The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur, India
DR. MATTIAS BJÖRNMALMSecretary-General,, CESAER, Leuven, Belgium
PROF. TOM BYERSEntrepreneurship Professorship endowed chair in the School of Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
PROF. KRISTINA EDSTRÖMProfessor of Inorganic Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
DR. DAVID ETORSr. Lecturer, Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Jos, Nigeria
PROF. LIN JIANDirector of Academic Committee, Division of Engineering Education, Tsinghua University, China
PROF. GOPALKRISHNA JOSHIExecutive Director, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Bengaluru, India
PROF. MARCELO KNOBELFull Professor in the Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute, University of Campinas, Brazil
PROF. JOHN E. MITCHELLVice-Dean Education, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, UK
DR. BRYAN MOSERAcademic Director and Sr. Lecturer, System Design and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA, USA
PROF. ROB MUDDEVice-Rector Magnificus/Vice-President Education in the Executive Board, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
DR. SHAMILA NAIR-BEDOUELLEAssistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO
DR. PEGGY OTI-BOATENGExecutive Director , the African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
MS. ANǴELICA NATERAExecutive Director, Laspau, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
MR. KALYAN PAULExecutive Director, Pan Himalayan Grassroots Development Foundation, Almora, India
PROF. KIN LEONG PEYAssociate Provost, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore
PROF. JOSÉ ISMAEL PEÑA REYESDept. of Systems and Industrial Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
PROF. LARRY J. SHUMANDistinguished Service Professor of Industrial Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburg, PA, USA
PROF. JAKOB STOUSTRUPVice Dean of Education at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University, Denmark
PROF. LORETO VALENZUELADean, Faculty of Engineering, Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
MR. MARC ZOLVERDirector of International Affairs, CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France