Academic Leaders and VCs Explore AI's Impact on Higher Education at I4IC 2026, Hosted by Employability.life and Federation University Australia

Top academic leaders at I4IC 2026, a Senior Leadership Workshop on AI’s transformative impact on higher education

The session was attended by Vice Chancellors and senior leaders from academic institutes across the country, creating a platform for strategic on institutional readiness. While AI integration was a key theme, discussions extended beyond technology to focus on the evolution of pedagogy—particularly the shift toward work-simulated, experiential learning models that bridge academia and industry.

What distinguished the workshop was the direct involvement of Senior leaders rethinking how universities translate technological disruption into tangible career outcomes. Rather than treating AI as a standalone subject, leaders explored how to embed it within experiential, industry-linked learning frameworks that prepare leaners towards emerging roles, hybrid careers, and AI-augmented workplaces. The emphasis was clear: institutional leadership must move from observation to execution—redesigning curriculum, assessment, and academic structures so that graduates leave not just with degrees, but with demonstrable, future-ready capabilities.

The workshop was led by leadership from Federation University Australia and Employability.life, reinforcing a globally aligned vision for innovation-led higher education transformation.

Leadership Perspectives
Paul Oppenheimer, Chief Operating Officer, Federation University Australia, stated, “Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we learn, work, and solve problems. For universities, this is not just about adopting new technologies — it is about reimagining how we prepare students for a world where change is constant. The real opportunity lies in creating learning environments where technology, human insight, and real-world experience come together to develop graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and ready for the future.”

“The future of learning will be shaped by technology and human insight together.”

Raja Dasgupta, CEO, Employability.life, said, “In the era of Artificial Intelligence, the conversation is shifting from tools to talent. Technology will continue to provide powerful tools, but the true competitive advantage will lie in human capability — the ability to think critically, adapt, and apply these tools creatively. The workplaces of the future will not be defined by the tools they use, but by the talent that knows how to use them to create meaningful impact.”

 “AI should amplify human capability — not replace it.”

About Employability.life
Employability.life is a wholly owned subsidiary of Federation University Australia, focused on transforming higher education through work-simulated learning ecosystems, global academic collaboration, and future workforce preparedness.