Keynote Speakers

Dr. Mirjam Hauck is Academic Lead for AI in Learning, Teaching and Assessment at the Open University/UK and a Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy. She has published widely on the learning and teaching of languages and cultures, in virtual exchange (VE) contexts in particular. She is the President of the European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning (EUROCALL), serves as Associate Editor of the CALL Journal and is an editorial board member of ReCALL and LLT. She is a founding member of UNICollaboration.org and has been a co-investigator in several VE projects funded by the EU and the US-based Stevens Initiative.

Title: Online Learning of Languages and Cultures for Social Justice and Inclusion

Darren was born in Tyneside and raised in Northumberland and Hampshire. He moved to Southampton in 2000 to study at the University of Southampton, where he earned a PhD and later taught Spanish and Linguistics. Living in Southampton Itchen with his wife and children, Darren entered local politics in 2011, serving as a councillor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, and Deputy Leader. Elected as MP in 2024, he advocates for education, SEND support, leasehold reform, and local transport. A member of the Education Select Committee, Darren is also active in the APPG for Modern Languages and enjoys learning new languages in his spare time.

Petr Torak MBE is a Roma activist, community leader, and consultant. In 2005, Petr began leveraging his linguistic and cultural expertise to foster community cohesion in Peterborough and across the UK. Recognised with an MBE for his contributions to the Roma community, Petr has served as a police officer, charity CEO, and Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic. With expertise in community cohesion, modern slavery, and cultural integration, he is a sought-after speaker and advisor, dedicated to fostering understanding and harmony across diverse communities. Petr completed the Obama Leaders Programme, further enhancing his leadership skills and expanding his capacity to create lasting, meaningful change. 

Title: "Best practices in breaking the vicious circle of Roma segregation and the vital role languages teachers can play in overcoming barriers to learning".