ENGAGE.EU Think Tank 2026 in Toulouse: Advancing Responsible AI Through European Collaboration
From 9-12 June 2026, Université Toulouse Capitole welcomed 19 researchers from across 9 universities of the alliance for the ENGAGE.EU Think Tank 2026, a four-day research residency dedicated to one of today’s most pressing challenges: Responsible AI and Society.
Bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines and institutions, the Think Tank provided a space for dialogue, critical reflection, and collaboration on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in society, with different working tracks.
Tracks 1 and 2 explored the transformation of democratic institutions and how AI affects the public sphere, knowledge infrastructures, and democratic institutions. Track 3 investigated AI and its links to ethics and law, particularly regarding accountability and algorithmic justice. Track 4 developed upon the role of AI in education and work, looking into its transformative potential in learning and labour markets.
Building Bridges Across Disciplines
Following two online onboarding sessions, the in-person programme opened with a day dedicated to connection and co-creation. Researchers from ENGAGE.EU member universities identified shared research interests, explored common societal challenges, and established new partnerships by discussing in greater depth the research landscape of each research track and by laying out the key concepts and theoretical anchors.
More than a networking opportunity, the sessions laid the foundation for future interdisciplinary projects, reinforcing ENGAGE.EU’s commitment to collaborative research that addresses complex societal issues from multiple perspectives.
Exploring the Ethical Challenges of AI
The second day focused on the growing delegation of human decision-making to AI systems. In his keynote address, Professor Jean-François Bonnefon of Toulouse School of Economics explored the concept of “unethical delegation,” raising critical questions about accountability, trust, and meaningful human oversight in AI-assisted decisions.
Discussions cantered on how societies can benefit from artificial intelligence while ensuring ethical principles remain at the core of technological development.
AI as Both Opportunity and Risk
On the third day, Professor Jean-Gabriel Ganascia from the Sorbonne Cluster for Artificial Intelligence (LIP6) examined AI through the concept of the pharmakon – both remedy and risk.
His presentation encouraged participants to take the perspective of AI in this dual sense. The conference highlighted its malevolent and beneficial effects and addressed the role of regulation, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), and demonstrated that it doesn’t protect us at all.
Throughout the day, interdisciplinary working groups refined research questions, exchanged methodologies, and developed ideas for future collaboration.
“The subgroup working sessions were very well organised and thoughtfully distributed. They provided an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better and to understand our respective interdisciplinary research topics. The pace and rhythm of the sessions were very well balanced.”
From Ideas to Action
The final day marked the culmination of an intensive week of exchange. Participants presented research proposals developed during the Think Tank, addressing topics stemming from the four Tracks.
What began as a series of conversations evolved into concrete project ideas and promising collaborations across the ENGAGE.EU alliance. The presentations highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches to addressing the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.
“The Friday project outline presentations were highly informative and inspiring. The diversity of topics and interdisciplinary approaches was particularly enriching. The overall organisation and timing of the session were very well managed.”
Looking Ahead
The ENGAGE.EU Think Tank 2026 demonstrated the strength of European academic cooperation and the importance of interdisciplinary research in shaping a responsible digital future.
As participants return to their home institutions, they do so with new research directions, stronger professional networks, and a shared commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence serves society in ethical, transparent, and inclusive ways.
The impact of the Think Tank is already visible: following the event, three working groups submitted proposals under the ENGAGE.EU Research Label Seed Funding initiative for the 2026-2027 academic year.
“Honestly the format was perfect. It was a bit energy-intensive, but it was incredible how much progress we made.”
Université Toulouse Capitole is delighted to have hosted this inspiring edition of the ENGAGE.EU Think Tank and looks forward to seeing the collaborations and projects that will emerge from this week of shared reflection and innovation.