Category: Education

EducationPolicy

Elite Universities Defy Trump Administration’s Higher Education “Compact” Proposal

Multiple elite universities have rejected the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” that would require significant policy changes in exchange for federal benefits. The standoff highlights growing tensions between the federal government and higher education institutions over academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Major Universities Reject Federal Proposal

Four of nine elite universities have reportedly rejected the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” for higher education reform as the October 20 deadline approaches, according to sources familiar with the matter. The University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, University of Southern California, and MIT have all announced they will not sign the agreement that would tie federal benefits to specific institutional changes.

by Ortega Rafael
Assistive TechnologyEducation

University of Johannesburg Unveils Africa’s Premier Emergency Rescue Training Facility

The University of Johannesburg has inaugurated a pioneering Rescue Simulation Centre that consolidates complex emergency training scenarios under one roof. The 3,000 m² facility features helicopter underwater escape training, aircraft rescue simulations, and urban search-and-rescue environments to prepare students for modern disaster response challenges.

Groundbreaking Emergency Training Facility Launched

The University of Johannesburg has officially opened what sources indicate is Africa’s first comprehensive Rescue Simulation Centre at its Doornfontein Campus. The four-story, 3,000 m² facility represents a significant advancement in emergency medical training infrastructure, according to reports from the October 17 launch event.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologyEducation

Microsoft Launches 365 Copilot for Education at $18 Monthly, Introduces AI Teaching Assistants

Microsoft is bringing its 365 Copilot AI assistant to educational institutions starting December 2025 at $18 per user monthly. The company has also unveiled specialized AI teaching tools including lesson planning assistants and study aids designed specifically for academic environments, according to the announcement.

Microsoft Expands AI Assistant to Education Sector

Microsoft is extending its Microsoft 365 Copilot artificial intelligence platform to educational institutions with a new academic offering priced at $18 per user monthly, according to reports from the company’s recent announcement. The education version of the popular virtual assistant will become available starting December 2025 for educators, staff, and students aged 13 and older, sources indicate.

by Bennett Laura
CybersecurityEducation

Kildare Student Wins International Quantum Cybersecurity Award for Post-Quantum Encryption Research

Celbridge transition year student Addison Carey has won a Gold Medal at Africa’s largest science fair for her quantum cybersecurity project. Her research focuses on developing efficient approaches to lattice-based cryptography to protect against future quantum computer attacks. The award highlights Ireland’s growing presence in international STEM competitions.

Addison Carey, a transition year student from Celbridge Community School in Kildare, has achieved international recognition by winning a Gold Medal at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg. The young innovator represented Ireland with her groundbreaking project focused on strengthening quantum cybersecurity for the digital future, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern data protection.

Quantum Computing Security Breakthrough

by Bennett Laura