I had the incredible honour of being invited to the University of Cambridge twice in May.
The first time, I had the opportunity to deliver a speech at a roundtable dinner at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge. The second time, I immersed myself in contemporary research on child development and wellbeing, AI, and modern education during the Kaleidoscope Conference.Each of these experiences left a profound impression on me and became an opportunity to rethink the role of psychology, education in a rapidly changing world. Today, it is especially important not only to implement new technologies, but also to create environments where children learn how to think, explore, ask questions, and unlock their potential.
For me, it is deeply valuable to be part of an international professional dialogue about what the future of academia and education should look like - more interdisciplinary, human-centered, and at the same time open to the opportunities AI can offer.
I was especially inspired by examples of children’s books created by fellow researchers, innovative approaches to STEM education for children, and the opportunity to explore these topics through multiple lenses - scientific, technological, and humanitarian. Thank you very much for such an inspiring speech Rupert Wegerif, Luke Wilson-Reid, Ben Garside, Nidhi Singal and for the meaningful discussion Cheryl Pilliner-Reeves ARB SFHEA, Kristina Lebedeva, Maya Karthikeyan, Emilia Sutton, Olga Kotyk, Simon Sällström, Iryna Peretiazhko.
I am sincerely grateful to Keith Dear, Holly Hedgeland for the invitation to speak, contribute, and share my experience, for the beautiful postcard commemorating this evening. A huge thank you to the conference team for creating such a positive environment that fosters broadening perspectives, collaboration, and growth. I will definitely take away valuable ideas and potential collaborations for Liverpool John Moores University TAILWIND project and Wise Parents School project "Architects of Belonging".
Special thanks to the amazing teams behind both the roundtable dinner and the conference for the impeccable organisation, thoughtful program, and the space created for truly meaningful discussions.

