Call for Proposals

Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities Symposium, 2026

“The AI Frontier and the Distinctives of Global Jesuit Higher Education”

Organized by
Fordham Office of the Provost
Fordham Office of Research
Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities

Hosted by
Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities (GRAJU), was founded by seven institutions: Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Fordham University (USA), Georgetown University (USA), ITESO (Mexico), Sogang University (South Korea), University of Deusto (Spain), and University of Namur (Belgium). Formally established on August 4, 2025, GRAJU is an international organization dedicated to fostering robust and sustainable research collaborations among Jesuit institutions of higher education worldwide. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, social justice, and global engagement, GRAJU seeks to build a unified research network that strengthens scholarly partnerships, promotes interdisciplinary innovation, and advances mission-driven inquiry.

Key Goals of GRAJU:

  • Facilitate Global Research Collaboration – Encourage joint research projects and scholarly exchange among Jesuit universities across the globe.
  • Promote Interdisciplinary Research – Provide platforms for cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration, particularly on pressing global issues aligned with Jesuit values.
  • Encourage Sponsored Research – Support efforts to secure external funding and pursue collaborative grant opportunities, including joint applications to domestic and international funding agencies.
  • Uphold the Jesuit Mission and Vision – Advance the shared Jesuit commitment to education, service, ethics, and the greater good through meaningful research.

Symposium Themes: The AI Frontier and the Distinctives of Global Jesuit Higher Education

  1. AI in Ignatian Pedagogy and Curriculum Design
    • The core curriculum and AI
    • AI-powered learning tools and personalized education
    • Rethinking assessment in the age of generative AI
    • Developing AI literacy and critical thinking skills for students
    • AI in religious education and training
    • AI in service learning
    • Curriculum adaptation for AI-driven professions
    • AI assistance in development of teaching materials
    • Tools for classroom management and student monitoring
  2. AI for University Management and Strategic Planning
    • Analytics systems for strategic decision making
    • AI augmentation of university backroom processes
    • Establishment or use of AI-based services for university stakeholders
    • Envisioning desired outcomes for AI use and defining measures of success
    • Faculty development and training for AI integration
    • Administrative and technical support structures
    • Infrastructure and subscription planning and budgeting
  3. AI in Research, Creative Work, and Innovation
    • AI as a tool for enhancing research and data analysis
    • AI for research project management
    • Ethical considerations in AI research and intellectual property
    • Fostering interdisciplinary AI research collaborations
    • Creative writing and humanities scholarship with AI assistance
    • AI-assisted preservation of cultural heritage
    • Digital and spatial studies on religious issues
  4. Ethical, Equity, Legal, and Policy Implications of AI:
    • Addressing bias, fairness, and transparency in AI algorithms
    • Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and education globally
    • Data privacy and security in AI-driven educational systems
    • Developing institutional policies and best practices for AI use
    • The impact of AI on academic integrity and plagiarism
    • The role of higher education in AI development and governance
  5. Global Collaboration and Future Models
    • Leveraging AI for cross-border educational partnerships
    • Current GRAJU AI-related research and emerging directions
    • AI’s role in addressing global challenges through higher education
    • Emerging models of higher education in an AI transformed world
    • The future of work and the role of universities in lifelong learning

Eligibility and Application Procedures

  1. Applicants must be Fordham tenured or tenure-track faculty members.
  2. Interested faculty applicants must submit:
  • application form (https://form.jotform.com/251953991451162);
  • a research project abstract (up to 250 words) with four to five keywords to be used to search for funding opportunities; and
  • 150-word bio
  1. The research project subjects should focus on AI and Higher Education.
  2. Applicants will be responsible for identifying their research partners at one of the GRAJU and should submit a letter of support from the research partner. The preference will be given to faculty who can select and identify their research partners from Ateneo de Manila University.
  3. All participating faculty are expected to develop joint research projects such as grant proposals, research papers, and/or conference presentations.
  4. All Fordham participants are required to deliver public presentations at the Fordham research forum and showcase their GRAJU international research collaborations in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
  5. The Office of Research will work with Fordham University Research Council to organize a review committee to evaluate and select participants based on the criteria of their projects’ feasibility, deliverability, and sustainability.

All applicants must submit their 1) application form, 2) research project abstract, and 3) bio no later than November 10, 2025.

Financial Support and Regulations

  1. The Office of Research will reimburse up to $3,000 to each selected Fordham faculty member their travel expenses via Fordham’s Concur platform.
  2. The selected faculty members will be individually responsible for their international travel arrangements, such as and not limited to airfare, lodging, meals, passport, visa, international health insurance, immunizations, and other incidental out-of-pocket
  3. All Fordham participants are required to register their travel through the University’s International Travel Registry and follow the export control requirements prior to departure.
  4. The Program will be managed by the Fordham Office of Research.

Preliminary Agenda

Tentative Schedule: March 9–12, 2026

Location: Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

March 9 (Monday): Research Field Trip

March 10 – March 11 (morning) (Tu-Wed.): GRAJU Symposium

March 11 (afternoon) (Wed.): One-on-one research meetings

March 12 (Thursday): Excursion