Rector of Obuda University invited to speak on the future of artificial intelligence at THE World Academic Summit
Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, participated as an invited speaker in the high-level panel discussion “Innovation in AI, data and research: How can institutions keep pace?” at the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2026 in Cape Town. Obuda University is the only Hungarian university represented at one of the world’s leading international gatherings of higher education leaders, bringing together more than 500 participants, 100 speakers and representatives of approximately 250 universities from around the world.
Each year, Times Higher Education holds its World Academic Summit in a different international location. The event provides a global forum primarily for senior university leaders and key decision-makers in higher education, research and policy to discuss the most important strategic issues the sector is facing. The 2026 summit is hosted in Cape Town by the University of Cape Town and the University of Bristol, marking the first time the conference has been held on the African continent.
Under the theme “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence”, the event brings together leaders in higher education, research and policy from around the world to explore how extraordinarily rapid technological, social and environmental change is reshaping the role and future of universities. Accordingly, the summit’s keynote sessions and high-level discussions focus not only on emerging technologies, but also on universities’ long-term strategic adaptation, the transformation of research and education, and the future role of higher education in society.
Artificial intelligence occupies a prominent place among these strategic issues. As an invited speaker on the panel “Innovation in AI, data and research: How can institutions keep pace?”, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács joined Alberto José Cardelle, President of the State University of New York; Jennifer Hallam, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester; James Ricci, Director of Science Systems at Schmidt Sciences; and Susan Tighe, President of McMaster University in Canada, to discuss how the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence and quantum computing could transform research, education and university operations. A central question of the discussion was how higher education institutions can keep pace with technological change while integrating new solutions into their operations safely and responsibly.
The topic is closely aligned with Obuda University’s own strategic priorities. The University aims to become an AI-native university, supported by its comprehensive AI Campus strategy, which seeks to integrate the responsible, ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence throughout institutional operations, from education and research to administrative processes.
The panel explored how the exceptionally rapid development of artificial intelligence is transforming research, education and the way universities themselves operate. Participants also discussed how emerging technologies can be applied across different disciplines, the new opportunities and challenges they create for higher education, and the institutional approaches needed to ensure that universities remain adaptable, secure and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
The Rector’s invitation is particularly significant in the context of Obuda University’s strengthening international position. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 were also announced as part of the World Academic Summit in Cape Town, with Obuda University once again ranked among the world’s top 800 universities and remaining Hungary’s second-highest-ranked university. THE’s assessment of the Hungarian results also specifically highlights Obuda University’s consistent progress: since 2021, the institution has advanced by more than 1,400 places in the ranking.
Under the theme “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence”, the event brings together leaders in higher education, research and policy from around the world to explore how extraordinarily rapid technological, social and environmental change is reshaping the role and future of universities. Accordingly, the summit’s keynote sessions and high-level discussions focus not only on emerging technologies, but also on universities’ long-term strategic adaptation, the transformation of research and education, and the future role of higher education in society.
Artificial intelligence occupies a prominent place among these strategic issues. As an invited speaker on the panel “Innovation in AI, data and research: How can institutions keep pace?”, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács joined Alberto José Cardelle, President of the State University of New York; Jennifer Hallam, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester; James Ricci, Director of Science Systems at Schmidt Sciences; and Susan Tighe, President of McMaster University in Canada, to discuss how the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence and quantum computing could transform research, education and university operations. A central question of the discussion was how higher education institutions can keep pace with technological change while integrating new solutions into their operations safely and responsibly.
The topic is closely aligned with Obuda University’s own strategic priorities. The University aims to become an AI-native university, supported by its comprehensive AI Campus strategy, which seeks to integrate the responsible, ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence throughout institutional operations, from education and research to administrative processes.
The panel explored how the exceptionally rapid development of artificial intelligence is transforming research, education and the way universities themselves operate. Participants also discussed how emerging technologies can be applied across different disciplines, the new opportunities and challenges they create for higher education, and the institutional approaches needed to ensure that universities remain adaptable, secure and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
The Rector’s invitation is particularly significant in the context of Obuda University’s strengthening international position. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 were also announced as part of the World Academic Summit in Cape Town, with Obuda University once again ranked among the world’s top 800 universities and remaining Hungary’s second-highest-ranked university. THE’s assessment of the Hungarian results also specifically highlights Obuda University’s consistent progress: since 2021, the institution has advanced by more than 1,400 places in the ranking.
