We are pleased to announce that Nicholas Samaras, representing the INVEST University and the INVEST4EXCELLENCE project, recently presented the paper, "EDUC8EU: A Transformative Hybrid Academic Advising Approach with Intelligent Microservices, Fuzzy Logic, and Semantic Web Technologies," at the International Symposium on Teaching, Education, and Learning (STEL-24) held in Washington D.C., USA on 24th - 25th July 2024.

The paper, co-authored by Omiros Iatrellis, Nicholas Samaras, and Konstantinos Kokkinos, introduces EDUC8EU, an innovative hybrid software infrastructure that leverages a microservices architecture, employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), fuzzy reasoning, and ontological tools to provide reliable, personalized academic recommendations for students navigating the complexities of Higher Education Institutions.

EDUC8EU exemplifies a pioneering effort in academic support, integrating the latest AI technologies to ensure that academic advising is not only responsive to the needs of students but also aligned with their individual interests and career aspirations. The presentation highlighted the system's capabilities, including personality profiling, learner perception assessment, and skill gap analysis, all seamlessly integrated into an AI-driven system functioning within a continuous feedback loop.

The conference provided an ideal platform for discussing innovative educational technologies and methodologies with an international audience, fostering a collaborative environment for educational professionals. This event was particularly significant as it marked the culmination of efforts under the H2020 INVEST4EXCELLENCE European Universities alliance, aimed at enhancing educational and research programs wordwide.

We extend our gratitude to the conference organizers, fellow researchers, and attendees who made this event a success. The feedback and insights gained are invaluable as we continue to refine and expand the capabilities of EDUC8EU to meet the evolving needs of the academic community.