Ilkley (UK), June 2026 - Virtual College has launched a new course on female genital mutilation (FGM). The course is designed to raise awareness among members of the public and frontline community workers — including taxi drivers, hospitality staff, retail workers, and volunteers — who may encounter individuals at risk of or affected by FGM. It covers the origins and types of FGM, how to recognise warning signs, and appropriate ways to support victims or those at risk.

Frankfurt (GER), May 2026 - How do students use artificial intelligence (AI) in academic writing, and how does it affect their learning processes? A nationwide study conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt’s Schreibzentrum offers new insights into the opportunities and tensions surrounding AI-assisted writing.

Bonn (GER), May 2026 - North Rhine-Westphalia will become home to a new unit within the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS), one of Europe’s leading networks for artificial intelligence research. The newly approved ELLIS Unit NRW brings together leading AI researchers and large-scale computing infrastructure across the region to advance open-source foundation models, trustworthy machine learning and AI applications for real-world environments.

San Francisco, CA (USA), May 2026 — Research shows that family involvement has a positive influence on students' academic achievement, regardless of family income or background. A new white paper from ClassDojo, How Strong Family Engagement Builds District Trust, Reputation, and Academic Success, examines the different ways school-family communication benefits student learning and enrollment stability. The 12-page report explains how districts can overcome communication hurdles to create a culture of honesty, clarity, and trust that increases family engagement.

Bamberg (GER), April 2026 - When students enjoy their studies, not only does their motivation increase, but so does their performance. In the new research project ‘School Fun,’ the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi) is investigating which influences at school and at home promote enjoyment of learning and thus long-term academic success. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the project starts in April.

Heidelberg (GER), April 202 - The audiMAX lecture hall and study center gives the natural and life sciences campus of Heidelberg University a new architectural centerpiece and a central location for teaching, learning and exchange. Erected by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, the five-storey building complex with a large, imposing auditorium, other teaching facilities, as well as areas for communication, a library, study places and exhibitions, is now being commissioned for use. It is the second big new university building in Heidelberg that the foundation is presenting to the state of Baden-Württemberg as a gift.

Tokyo (JP), April 2026 - Perpetuals.com Ltd, a financial technology company combining trading infrastructure and artificial intelligence, has announced the execution of a strategic licensing agreement with the German University of Digital Science (German UDS) for the integration of the company’s proprietary BayesShield AI predictive intelligence platform. German UDS, a state-recognized, accredited, fully digital university based in Potsdam, Germany, will license BayesShield AI for deployment across its research centers and digital learning infrastructure, including its Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, Research Center for Cybersecurity, and Research Center for Digital Transformations. 

Karlsruhe (GER), April 2026 – Following Andrew Smith’s opening keynote on May 6, titled "Beyond Automation – the Age of Agentic Learning," Thorsten Zylowski will lead a workshop on "Agentic Learning" at 10:30 a.m. as part of the LEARNTEC Congress. Agentic Learning describes learning as a self-directed process. In this model, learners set their own goals, make decisions, and actively shape their learning path. At the same time, agent-based AI systems are developing rapidly and are increasingly taking on tasks such as planning, research, and problem-solving in an autonomous manner. The workshop will explore both perspectives: How can humans' learning be strengthened, and what role can AI agents play in this process?

Bad Honnef (GER), April 2026 – The future of L&D lies beyond tools and formats, yet L&D loves new formats. Hardly a year goes by without a new trend: VR, peer learning, microlearning, learning nuggets, gamification. This is exciting—but also dangerous. For as long as talent development defines itself primarily through formats, it remains substitutable. Tools are means, not purposes. But how do successful organizations learn in a future characterized by dynamic change and uncertainty, where roles are shifting and speed is becoming increasingly important—even in skills development? What role does Learning & Development really play? Prof Dr Nele Graf will provide answers on May 5 at 2:45 p.m. at the LEARNTEC Congress.

Freiburg im Breisgau (GER), April 2026 – The LEARNTEC Congress 2026 stands out for its wide range of topics. Ada Rhode, a TÜV-certified AI trainer, M.A. in Future Design, graduate in Media Informatics, and journalist, will provide guidance on complex topics to promote a reflective and responsible use of digital media. She will speak at the LEARNTEC Congress about algorithmic logic and why it causes cognitive biases.

Munich (GER), February 2026 - The United Nations has appointed Johanna Pirker to the new Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This high-level panel will assess the global opportunities and risks of AI from a scientific perspective, providing a sound basis for political and societal decision-making. Forty experts from around the world were selected from 2,600 applications. Pirker is a professor of N-Dimensional User Experience at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Bielefeld (GER), January 2026 - In early 2026, Bielefeld University is establishing a new extracurricular learning space with the teutolab for social sciences. Combining politics, economics and sociology, it invites young people to critically explore everyday life, social conflicts and future challenges. Researchers at the university are developing new ways to empower young people in times of growing uncertainty and political polarisation.

Oldenbourg (GER), January 2026 - Turning green waste, hay and algae into fully biodegradable plastics for use in medical products, car components, insulation and packaging is the goal of a new Junior Research Group at the University of Oldenburg.

Denver, CO (USA), November 2025 - Scrum Alliance®, a global leader in agility-based training and certification, and Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, renowned for its prestigious academic programs and dedicated approach to professional development, has announced the launch of a course formed in partnership: Change Management: Overcoming Resistance for Agile Transformation.

Derry (XI), October 2025 - Virtual College is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of delivering high-quality digital learning, compliance training, and professional development solutions to learners and organisations across the UK and beyond.