The annual meeting of the Kircher Network, a network of Jesuit academic institutions in Europe and the Middle East, took place from 1 to 3 July 2024 in Bilbao (Spain), at the Jesuit University of Deusto. This time, the meeting had six objectives: the most important was to discuss and approve the Kircher Network's strategic plan for 2024-2028. The network's board also presented a report on the development of the network and its finances, and discussed the proposed budget for 2024-2025. Other objectives, to which the second and third days of the meeting were devoted in particular, included: reflecting on the situation and future goals of the Jesuit higher education apostolate in Europe and worldwide, seeking potential opportunities for partnership and cooperation within member institutions, sharing best practices and reflections on strategies for addressing the challenges faced by institutions specializing in philosophy or theology.

In reflecting on the future of Jesuit universities, the gathered were supported by the speeches of the president of the world organization, International Association of the Jesuit Universities, Fr. Joseph Christie SJ, who gave the lecture: “What are the overarching goals of the global Jesuit higher education network in the next four years?”, and the president of the Conference of Jesuit European Provincials, Fr. Dalibor Renić SJ, who presented the reflection: “The Jesuit university apostolate in Europe: calls and expectations of the Society of Jesus”.

Particular attention was paid to reflection on the impact of artificial intelligence on Jesuit higher education in Europe and to sharing best practices in the use of AI in institutions associated in the network. In this part of the meeting, the main lecture was given by Prof. Annick Castiaux, Rector of the University of Namur, a specialist in innovative technologies. Then, representatives of the interdisciplinary team established at the University of Deusto several years ago presented their achievements and initiatives, as well as conclusions from the use of AI in various areas of the university's functioning. The meeting was completed by a presentation of the Virtual Campus of Deusto, as well as a tour of the university's new acquisition, the Virtual Hospital.

The campus of the University of Deusto in Bilbao is located in the heart of the city center, between the Guggenheim Museum, the Iberdrola Tower and the Euskalduna Conference Center and the Concert Hall, attractions of the Basque capital. The campus was declared a historical monument in 2002, as it consists of buildings of great architectural value.