ABET CEO Dr. Michael K. J. Milligan was a keynote at the recently concluded International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL 2024), hosted by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP).  

Milligan presents his keynote at the 2024 ICL Conference.

Held from Sept. 24–27, 2024, in Tallinn, Estonia, the event focused on the theme “Futureproofing Engineering Education for Global Responsibility.” Milligan’s keynote address, titled “Strengthening International Collaborations for a Sustainable Future,” emphasized the importance of global partnerships in advancing sustainable, innovative engineering education. 

Milligan also participated in a high-profile panel discussion on Sept. 26, titled “The Future of Engineering Education in the Era of AI.” Alongside other prominent leaders, he explored the impact of artificial intelligence on education and the unique challenges it presents for both educators and students.  

ABET’s participation in the event, alongside the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP), underscored their continued partnership aimed at advancing quality in global engineering education. Through this collaboration, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting best practices in pedagogy and accreditation worldwide. 

Milligan with Dr. John Lawrence Irwin, an ABET Commissioner for ETAC. 

The ICL 2024 conference served as a valuable platform for ABET and IGIP to exchange ideas and share innovative strategies, furthering their shared mission of fostering sustainable and responsible engineering education for the future. ABET and IGIP formalized their collaboration in 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Mexico, solidifying a commitment to work more closely in advancing engineering education.  

Founded in Austria 51 years ago, IGIP focuses on pedagogy, applying its expertise across all STEM fields. The organization is particularly known for its formal certification program, which equips new faculty with essential proficiencies as engineering educators. This aligns with ABET’s mission to ensure quality education in STEM.   

IGIP’s strong ties with organizations like the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) further bolster the shared commitment to research in pedagogy and innovative engineering instruction. 

For more details about the conference and key highlights, visit ICL 2024.