SHARP presents research on AI and personalized learning in Zurich

From August 10 to 12, 2026, the EARLI conference of Special Interest Groups (SIG) 6 “Instructional Design” and 7 “Learning and Instruction” took place at the University of Zurich. EARLI stands for the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, an international scientific association dedicated to research on learning and instruction. The conference in Zurich was held under the theme “The Learning Confoederatio – Navigating (Digital) Change through Evidence”.

The conference focused on questions surrounding the design and development of learning environments and the role of digital technologies in teaching and learning. Discussions addressed, among other topics, evidence-based approaches to the design of learning processes, the personalization of learning, and the use of artificial intelligence in educational contexts. The conference provided researchers from different countries with an opportunity to present current findings, exchange perspectives, and discuss new approaches to technology-enhanced learning.

The SHARP initiative (CRC 419) was represented by several members. From LMU Munich, participants included Prof. Dr. Sarah Hofer, Dr. Laura Brandl, Dr. Constanze Richters, Dr. Zoya Kozlova, Dr. Michael Nickl, Prof. Dr. Stefan Küchemann and Lixiang Gao. The University of Augsburg was represented by Prof. Dr. Michael Sailer, Dr. Elisabeth Bauer, and Moritz Klippert. Kathleen Vogt represented TUM, while Nina Peltzer participated from LMU Klinikum.

The SHARP members presented current research findings on the personalization of learning processes and the use of artificial intelligence in education in talks and poster sessions. The conference also provided an opportunity for in-depth exchange with the international research community and for discussing current developments in technology-enhanced learning.