Nadia Naffi

Dr. Nadia Naffi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and Learning at the Faculty of Education Sciences of Laval University, where she holds the Chair in Educational Leadership (CLE) on Innovative Pedagogical Practices in Digital Contexts – National Bank. She previously co-led the Education and Empowerment axis at the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of AI and Digital Technologies (OBVIA) until June 2023 and chaired Laval University's Institutional Committee on Pedagogical Innovation (CIE) during its inaugural year. Her academic journey includes positions at Concordia University and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Concordia University (2018)
• M.A. in Educational Technology from Concordia University (2012)
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from the Lebanese American University

Dr. Naffi's research explores critical, responsible, ethical, sustainable, and equitable approaches to digital and AI-based lifelong learning. She is particularly interested in equipping future experts in educational technology to meet the training needs of the future workforce, fostering a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, intersectoral, multigenerational, and global workforce in the digital and AI era. She also investigates digital agency as an essential skill for lifelong learning, collaboration in the digital age, and countering disinformation in the form of malicious deepfakes. Her work spans educational technology, AI ethics, digital literacy, and innovative pedagogical practices, with particular attention to post-pandemic educational challenges and solutions.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on deepfake education, digital agency, post-pandemic educational transformation, and ethical AI implementation in educational contexts. Her research increasingly emphasizes the intersection of digital technologies with social issues like refugee integration, disinformation, and mental health in educational settings. The trend shows a progression from foundational educational technology research to more complex societal challenges involving AI ethics and digital citizenship.

Dr. Naffi's scientific recognition includes:

• Governor General of Canada's Gold Medal – People and Society 2018
• SALTISE Award for Excellence and Pedagogical Innovation 2019
• John F. Lemieux Young Alumni Medal
• Concordia Public Scholar (2017)
• Winner of SSHRC Storyteller Competition (2017)

She has secured significant research funding, including SSHRC Insight Grants focused on high-quality pedagogical practices in post-COVID higher education and youth's potential to counterbalance disinformation through deepfake awareness. As Principal Investigator, she leads projects on training professionals responsible for education to develop future skills in health contexts using AI. Her advisory role extends to media commentary, with numerous opinion pieces in high-impact newspapers and media appearances discussing digital literacy, AI ethics, and educational innovation.

Dr. Naffi is actively affiliated with multiple research centers including the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of AI and Digital Technology (OBVIA), the Institute Intelligence and Data (IID), the Center for Research and Intervention on Academic Success (CRIRES), the Interuniversity Research Center on Training and the Teaching Profession (CRIFPE), the Center for Research and Intervention on Education and Work Life (CRIEVAT), and the Interuniversity Research Group on the Pedagogical Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (GRIIPTIC). She contributes to the Educational Informatics Lab (EILAB) and EducationMakers of the Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology.