MediaLaws is pleased to share the “Digital Constitutionalism Academy”, taking place in Florence the 28th and 29th of March 2025, is co-organized by the University of Florence, the European University Institute, Bocconi University, and Católica Global School of Law. The main focus will be on AI Regulation between Innovation, Fundamental Rights, and Digital Sovereignty.
The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a critical issue as the technology advances rapidly, raising constitutional questions. Nonetheless, the regulatory framework of AI is fragmented and follows different narratives which are then translated into laws and regulations. This year, our yearly summer school arrives with a renewed format of the Digital Constitutionalism Academy, with two days of highly interactive sessions. The Academy commences on the first day with a conference, which seeks to explore the dynamics shaping AI regulations across innovation, fundamental rights, and digital sovereignty. On the second day, the Academy will hold the Training School comprising of four interactive training sessions with expert scholars in the field. The objective of the Academy is not only to further the participants’ knowledge and exchange of views an interactive and interdisciplinary setting, but also to broaden the network and establish potential new research collaborations.
Day 1: Conference
Thursday 28 March 2025
Scholars, policymakers, and experts are invited to reflect on the evolution of AI regulation and policy and submit their abstract to present at the conference. Contributions are welcomed in three key areas: 1) the relationship between AI and innovation, focusing on the regulatory challenges and opportunities for fostering technological advancement while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and democratic values; 2) the implications of AI law and regulation on fundamental rights, as in the case of privacy, freedom of expression and discrimination, and on the exercise of public and private powers; 3) the role of digital sovereignty and how constitutional democracies can maintain control over the use of AI technologies, including expanding cybersecurity strategies, while engaging in international cooperation and governance. We encourage papers that offer interdisciplinary insights into these critical issues, aiming to shape the future of AI governance.
Day 2: Training School
Friday 29 March 2025
On the second day, the Academy will welcome participants for the Training School. The Training School will be held in 4 sessions designed to deepen the understanding of AI regulation, focusing on its legal, ethical, and policy dimensions. The Training School will provide an opportunity for participants to engage with leading experts in the field of AI, law, and digital governance. It will also explore the regulatory approaches emerging at the national, European and international levels, and provide participants with the tools and knowledge to navigate these constitutional challenges.
Application Procedure
The Academy warmly encourages submissions from applicants as conference speakers or participants interested in engaging with the event, regardless of whether they intend to present their work.
To apply as a Conference Speaker, please submit an abstract of your presentation (maximum 800 words, in English). Your submission must include:
- The title of your presentation,
- Your full name(s) and affiliation(s), and
- A brief bio (up to 100 words).
Please send your abstract via email to Giovanni De Gregorio (gdegregorio@ucp.pt) and Erik Longo (erik.longo@unifi.it), with the subject “Digital Constitutionalism Academy – Conference Speaker”.
To apply as a Participant, please submit the following documents:
- A brief CV, and
- A statement (up to 300 words) detailing your interest in AI regulation and explaining how the Training School will benefit your academic or professional development.
Please send your application via email to Giovanni De Gregorio (gdegregorio@ucp.pt) and Erik Longo (erik.longo@unifi.it), with the subject “Digital Constitutionalism Academy – Participant Application”.
Key Dates
- Deadline for Submission and Applications: 20 January 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 31 January 2025
Fees and Participation
The fee for participating in the Academy, including the Conference (28 March 2025) and the Training School (29 March 2025) is 90 EUR, both for speakers and participants. This fee incluces participation in both events, as well as access to conference materials, coffee breaks and social events during the Academy. The Academy is an in-person event only. The organisation is not covering accommodation and transportation costs. There are no scholarships available covering participation costs.
Venue
The Academy will take place at Villa Ruspoli, Piazza Indipendenza 9, Florence, Italy.
Stay in Touch
For further information about the Academy, please contact: Giovanni De Gregorio (gdegregorio@ucp.pt) and Erik Longo (erik.longo@unifi.it)
