UNWE Hosted the First International Doctoral Conference of ENGAGE.EU - Building FAIR AI: Combating Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe

Miroslav Mihaylov, Nohaila el Mouden Jaadouni, Tsvetanka Paunova, Adrian Dinev

The event brought together young researchers from a number of European universities who discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, society and institutional systems. The conference was opened by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov who is the Chairman of the Board of Rectors of the European alliance ENGAGE.EU. The special guest was H.E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria. Official guests were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov, Dean of the UNWE Law Faculty, Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova, Dean of the UNWE Management and Administration Faculty, and Céline Branchi, Institutional Cooperation Attaché at the French Institute in Bulgaria. The Forum was moderated by the journalist Victoria Petrova /in the picture below/.

The Conference was focused on the fair and responsible application of AI technologies, the role of innovation, and building trust in digital solutions in the context of sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov, Dean of the Law Faculty, Céline Branchi, Institutional Cooperation Attaché at the French Institute in Bulgaria, H. E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria, the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova, Dean of the Management and Administration Faculty, and the moderator Victoria Petrova

The Conference initiated by Doctoral students from Bulgaria, Spain, and France, is the result of international academic cooperation between several European universities within the ENGAGE.EU alliance which aims to build a bridge between the scientific research and the practical applications through an interdisciplinary approach that brings together researchers and young professionals from fields such as law, marketing and public administration", said Victoria Petrova in her introductory address.

"This conference dedicated to the artificial intelligence, fair regulations and the AI responsible use, is an excellent example of how the European universities can work together, guided by common values. That`s why we have gathered here representatives of various national academic communities, prominent scientists and colleagues from different institutions. I am convinced that this will create an excellent foundation for future projects and joint initiatives in science and education", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, adding: "Our university is an ideal platform for such initiatives, including in the field of artificial intelligence. Last year we established an Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Economics so we develop Master's programmes and numerous disciplines related to the AI. We also have a large AI-based data center which allows for even greater synergy with our partners at the ENGAGE.EU." The Rector concluded by saying: "Use all channels—websites, social networks, media. Within our alliance, we constantly look for ways to have a real impact on society, because the society should know what happens and what results we achieve".

"I would like to express my support for this conference, organized by young researchers from three European universities, including the University of Toulouse, and to extend my warmest greetings to this remarkable team. Doctoral studies are not only a period of learning scientific methods and acquiring knowledge, they are a unique opportunity to learn to work in a team, to establish contacts, to organize events, and to take on responsibilities that shape our academic and professional maturity. Events such as this conference are essential not only for keeping the science alive, but also for the effective communication of scientific discoveries. It would be a mistake to think that the organizational and human aspects of scientific work are secondary; on the contrary, they are at the very heart of the scientific life and are key to the development of every young scientist", said H. E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria.

On behalf of the UNWE Management and Administration Faculty, its Dean Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova welcomed the attendees: "I am convinced that the UNWE is the natural host of this forum which brings together young researchers and scientists. Your presence and active participation are a clear sign of your dedication and commitment to the international cooperation".

"It is my pleasure and honour, on behalf of the UNWE Law Faculty, to welcome you to our university - one of the active participants in the ENGAGE.EU alliance. In my opinion, the topic of the impact of AI on the economy, society, institutions and their actors is extremely important. I would also add that the AI has a significant impact on legal relations and procedures, including the establishment, development and resolution of possible disputes. There`s no doubt that the AI must be used responsibly and for fair purposes", outlined the Dean of the UNWE Law Faculty Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov.

The thematic panels on the first day covered various topics, such as the Intellectual Property and Copyright in the Context of Artificial Intelligence with the participation of Prof. D.Sc. Zhivko Draganov, Doctoral student Tsvetanka Paunova and Assist. Dr. Antitsa Geneva, the AI-Mediated Shopping and Changes in Consumer Behavior Caused by the Generative AI with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Kostadinova and Doctoral student Adrian Dinev. The third panel was led by Assist. Dr. Krasimir Petkov who presented the project Digital Citizenship Education – Learn, Connect, Engage, Thrive, devoted to the ethical aspects of new technologies. The fourth panel organized by Doctoral student Miroslav Mihaylov and Prof. Dr. Frederic Santamaria /Université Grenoble Alpes focused on the regional development and innovation through examples of successful practices from France.

On the second day, a discussion dedicated to the SDG 16 and the fair application of AI was held. It was led by Doctoral student Nohaila el Mouden Jaadouni with the participation of Doctoral student David Falcon, Assist. Dr. Antitsa Geneva and Doctoral student Tsvetanka Paunova, discussing the ethical and social dimensions of AI. The final panel, with the participation of representatives of AI Cluster Bulgaria, was focused on the practical aspects of implementing AI in the business and society with examples from the IT sector and medicine. As part of the Conference programme, the participants delivered short scientific presentations related to the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 9 and SDG 16.

All the participants were awarded certificates for their active participation and contribution to the discussions.