Panel discussion: Transformations and trajectories
Ten years after EPALE was launched, the adult learning community has a lot to celebrate – and a lot to think about. In the last ten years, adult learning has changed a lot. It has had to deal with new needs and unexpected changes in society.
The opening panel of the EPALE 2025 Community Conference will bring together speakers from academia, professional practice, civil society and institutions to discuss the transformations that have shaped the field. From evolving understandings of literacy and skills, to the changing role of adult educators, we will explore how our ecosystem has grown and how collaboration and commitment continue to build bridges and shape a more inclusive lifelong learning.
Marcella Milana is an associate professor at the University of Verona and an honorary professor of adult education at the University of Nottingham. A specialist in adult education, she has researched and written extensively on governance, policies and practices in this field. She is also chair of the European Society for Research in Adult Education (ESREA) and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Lifelong Education. She is also an EPALE adult learning expert.
Karine Nicolay is the National Coordinator for the European Agenda for Adult Learning in Flanders, Belgium. She is based at the Department of Education and Training, within the Lifelong Learning Unit. From the launch of the EPALE platform in 2015 until early 2025, she served as the Coordinator of EPALE in Flanders. In both roles, her focus has been on encouraging all stakeholders in adult learning to share good practices that can inspire change in how we live, learn, and work.
Gina Ebner is deputy secretary general of the European Association for the Education of Adults. She worked in adult education and as a pedagogical manager in Austria. In Brussels she worked as a project manager, secretary general and president. She works on issues such as gender equality and lifelong learning. She believes in adult education and is a strong advocate for it. EAEA represents adult education with 125 member organisations in 43 countries.
Elaine Cohalan has almost 20 years' experience working at an executive leadership level in educational and strategic transformation roles. She is passionate about education and its transformative power. Since 2019, she has been Innovation Manager at Ireland's National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). In this role, she leads NALA’s national educational services for adult literacy learners and practitioners, supporting over 3.000 adults with their literacy needs each year.
