The REBOOT project (
https://ivetagr.org/reboot/ and
https://ionio.themuseumlab.org/projects/international/reboot-3/, Erasmus+, 2025–2027) trains students from six countries in the ethical and creative use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Through innovative, gamified scenarios, the program balances digital skills with critical thinking. Rather than rejecting AI, it teaches its mindful and pedagogically sound application in the creative sector.
It represents a pioneering initiative responding directly to the urgent need for a responsible digital transformation in higher education and the cultural sector. Drawing on the collaboration of organizations such as the Institute of Vocational & Educational Training Systems (IVETA) and the Laboratory of Museology at the Ionian University, the project connects academia with the labor market of memory organizations (museums, libraries, archives).
Key Pillars and Objectives:
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Multinational Education: Trains students, academic staff, and professionals from six European countries, establishing a shared framework for digital ethics.
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Gamified Scenarios (Gamification): Introduces interactive, experiential learning methods that turn the theory of Generative AI into practical problem-solving tools.
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Connection with Memory Organizations: Focuses on how Generative AI can be leveraged to promote cultural heritage, curate exhibitions, and manage archival material.
Rather than taking a dismissive stance toward emerging technologies, REBOOT fosters a culture of mindful AI adoption. In doing so, it redefines the role of Generative AI, transforming it from a mere technological achievement into a catalyst for creativity, critical reflection, and cultural enhancement.
Prof. Georgios Papaioannou is Professor of Museology specializing in Digital Cultural Heritage and the GLAM sector, Director of the Museology Lab at the Ionian University, and General Secretary of the Historical and Hellenic Studies Society of the Near East (HSNES). He possesses a rich interdisciplinary background with studies in Greece (University of Ioannina), the UK (UCL, King’s College London), and Spain (La Laguna), alongside executive training at Harvard and Columbia.
With over 30 years of higher education teaching experience in universities worldwide (UK, USA, Europe, Australia, Middle East) and awards for teaching excellence, he holds more than 300 scientific publications. He has directed over 40 international research projects across the Mediterranean and Arab regions, and is the founder and Academic Head of the international Museum Big Data conference series (Qatar 2019, Cyprus 2020, Greece 2024, Brazil 2026).
He has contributed decisively to the establishment and organization of major museums, including the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth in Jordan, the Ras al-Hadd Experience in Oman, and the Corfu Prison Museum, while also designing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs for cultural sector professionals. He is a Senior Fellow & Assessor of the Higher Education Academy (UK), as well as a member of ICOM, the Europeana Network Association, and the European Museum Academy.
Fluent in six languages (Greek, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic), he balances his academic career with personal discipline as an active long-distance runner and triathlete with finishes in IronMan competitions.
