Practical Conference for Early Researchers and Young Scholars
Topic: Building Fair AI: Combatting Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe
Dates: 5-7 February 2026, University of National and World Economy, Sofia
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
Application Process: an Academic CV and motivational statement sent to adriyan.dinev@unwe.bg
Background
In the context of accelerating digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, public administration, and daily life raises profound legal, ethical, and societal questions. While algorithmic systems have the potential to improve efficiency, personalization, and decision-making, they also carry risks of algorithmic bias, social exclusion, and opacity in institutional processes.
Across Europe, there is a growing demand for interdisciplinary approaches that can balance innovation with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. This is particularly relevant to the European Union’s digital agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
The project “Building Fair AI: Combatting Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe” was initiated under the ENGAGE.EU Research Label to foster a space for collaboration between young researchers from the fields of law, social sciences, marketing, management, philosophy, and technology. The goal is to stimulate critical debate and co-create actionable insights on how AI systems can be designed, communicated, and regulated to serve society in a just and responsible manner.
Objectives
- To stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue among PhD students, early-career researchers, and faculty members on the societal and institutional implications of Artificial Intelligence in Europe.
- To critically examine the intersection between AI, business infrastructure, and justice, aligning with the strategic priorities of SDG 9 and SDG 16, and exploring how algorithmic systems impact innovation, equity, and trust.
- To showcase emerging research from young scholars in the fields of marketing, law, management, digital governance, and public policy through panel discussions, case presentations, and moderated debates.
- To support academic networking and future collaborations, by facilitating structured and informal exchange between participants, laying the foundation for follow-up research initiatives, co-authored publications, and engagement across the ENGAGE.EU alliance.
Moderators and Organisers of the Conference
The convenors are a motivated group of young academics and their institutions believing in the power of an open and inclusive dialogue on activism in and with academia.
Adriyan Dinev is a PhD student at the Department of Marketing and Strategic Planning at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). His doctoral research explores the impact of artificial intelligence on advertising practices. He holds two Master’s degrees – in „Marketing with a specialization in Brand Management“, and in „Strategic Marketing“ from University of National and World Economy. In 2023, he completed a specialization under the first ENGAGE.EU Program on Digital Transformation at the University of Mannheim, Germany.
Adriyan has several years of experience in the marketing field, having served as a marketing specialist in IT and pharmaceutical companies, and completed internships in marketing agencies. He has also led side projects related to digital communication and growth hacking for businesses across Bulgaria and Europe.
Email: adriyan.dinev@unwe.bg
Tsvetanka Paunova is a PhD candidate at the University of National and World Economy, focusing her doctoral research on Intellectual Property Law, with a particular emphasis on copyright. She holds a Master’s degree in Law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and a postgraduate specialization in Intellectual Property Law from the University of National and World Economy.
She has completed arbitration training at the Arbitration Court of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has been a registered mediator since 2020, specializing in commercial and intellectual property dispute mediation. Additionally, she holds a qualification in Legal English from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) – Bulgarian Alumni Association.
Email: cvetanka.paunova@unwe.bg
Miroslav Mihaylov is a PhD student at the Department of Regional Development at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Sofia. His doctoral dissertation is titled “Applied Aspects of Regional Diagnostics for Enhancing the Integrated Approach.”
His academic interests are focused on sustainable planning, regional development, social innovation, and the diagnosis of regional disparities. He explores the European Cohesion Policy, proposing a toolkit for comprehensive diagnostics. In addition to his academic work, he has significant professional experience in public administration, project management, and the tourism sector.
Email: miroslav.mihaylov@unwe.bg
Nohaila El Mouden Jaadouniis a PhD candidate in Economic and Business Law at ESADE Law School, where she currently serves as Research Manager. Her work focuses on legal research, with a particular interest in civil and commercial law, especially the study of intangibles and their significance in today’s economy.
Her research explores the legal protection of intangible assets, including intellectual and industrial property, as well as the impact of emerging technologies on the legal-business landscape. Her Master’s Thesis at Universidad Carlos III, on the ownership of works generated by artificial intelligence, was published in the institutional repository in recognition of its academic excellence.
E-mail: nohaila.elmouden@esade.edu
Bernard AL OSTA is a Doctoral Candidate in Strategy and International Management at Université Toulouse 1 Capitole – Toulouse School of Management. He is interested in advancing current knowledge on AI, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), Decision-Making, Managerial Attention, and managerial work. Before that, He was an Independent Academic and Business Researcher. He published articles in academic journals, has 8 years of experience in business and academic research, and have guided students through their research.
Bernard currently investigates how GAI reshapes managerial work, organizational practices, and decision-making processes, offering insights into its practical and theoretical implications. His work aims to provide a nuanced understanding of GAI’s transformative impact on organizations, benefiting both researchers and practitioners navigating this shift.
E-mail: bernard.al-osta@tsm-education.fr
Preliminary program
Thursday (05.02.2026)
– 17:00 Official Start and welcoming cocktails
Friday (06.02.2026)
– Opening speech and tackling the problems surrounding SDG 9 and SDG16
– Section 1 – “Ethical AI and focus on copyright” (Legal)
– Section 2 – “Greenwashing and the future of sustainability marketing”
– Section 3 – “Project Management in the Age of Complexity”
– Section 4 – “Smart Regions for Fair Futures: AI, Cohesion and Regional Equality”
Saturday (07.02.2026)
– Section 5 – Panel discussion – Legal aspects on the use of AI + Q&A (with an expert)
– Section 6 – Panel discussion – Change of the business world with the influence of AI
– Ending ceremony
Application timeline
We invite PhD students and early-stage researchers from ENGAGE.EU partner universities and beyond to apply for participation in the international event “Building Fair AI”, hosted at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Sofia.
To apply, please submit:
– Academic CV (not professional)
– Short motivational statement in document
Send the application to: adriyan.dinev@unwe.bg
Subject line: Application – Building Fair AI Conference
Deadline of application: 15.12.2025
Results will be published on 22.12.2025
Who can apply
We welcome applications from PhD students and early-stage researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including (but not limited to) marketing, law, management, public administration, political science, digital humanities, philosophy, sociology, and information technology. Participants should have an interest in how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping European societies, particularly in relation to issues of fairness, infrastructure, trust, and policy innovation.
Applicants with an interdisciplinary background or strong motivation to explore cross-sectoral perspectives are especially encouraged to apply. We also value academic diversity and encourage participation from candidates across all ENGAGE.EU partner universities, with special attention to underrepresented regions, including Eastern Europe and the Global South.
Whether you are conducting research in AI and its applications, examining its societal implications, or are simply passionate about responsible innovation and sustainable development (SDG 9 and SDG 16), your contribution is welcome.
Funding
Participants will have to cover their travel and accommodation expenses in Sofia and arrange them independently. Remote attendance or partial attendance is not possible.
Funding options for participants’ travel and accommodation may be available through their institution, either within the context of the ENGAGE.EU Alliance or other opportunities (e.g., Micro-grant scheme; Regional Studies Association, etc.). For more information, please contact your institution’s local office, Erasmus office or the ENGAGE.EU local contact point listed below.
ENGAGE.EU Local Contact Points
Each applicant can contact his/her local university’s ENGAGE.EU team member for questions specifically related to his/her institution and this call:
Hanken School of Economics: Dr. Sirpa Aalto, sirpa.aalto@hanken.fi
Luiss University: Aurora Alegiani: aalegiani@luiss.it
NHH Norwegian School of Economics: Dr. Heather Arghandeh Paudler, heather.argandeh.paudler@nhh.no
Tilburg University: Rianne Strijker, r.strijker@tilburguniversity.edu
University of Mannheim: Sati Cakar, sati.cakar@uni-mannheim.de
University of National and World Economy: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristina Harizanova-Bartos, hharizanova@unwe.bg
Ramon Llull University: Ana Caellas Camprubi, acaellas@rectorat.url.edu
UT Capitole: Myriam Greusard, myriam.greusard@ut-capitole.fr
WU Vienna: Rina Gjana, rina.gjana@wu.ac.at