UNESCO honours University of Eastern Finland AI literacy project

Yle reports that the University of Eastern Finland’s project promoting artificial intelligence literacy has received UNESCO’s ICT in Education Prize.

The annual award recognises efforts to promote the critical and creative use of technology in learning and teaching.

The international jury described the university-led Generation AI project as an important example of research-based AI education. It also said the project shows how artificial intelligence can be used in education on the basis of research.

The multidisciplinary project includes researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Oulu. It develops learning modules and educational technologies in cooperation with schools and teacher education providers.

Matti Tedre, a professor of computer science at the University of Eastern Finland, said a key goal was to strengthen young people’s AI literacy.

“We help learners understand where AI is used, what effects it has on our lives and what effects it has on society as a whole,” Tedre said.

The project has developed educational technologies that demonstrate how AI works. Students can also design and create AI-based applications themselves.

Generation AI and its research have previously received several awards. Earlier this year, it won the European Union’s Digital Skills Award, and in 2025 it received a national award for open educational resources.