Una Europa Challenge for Social Welfare 2026

Una Europa Challenge 2026:
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Social Welfare

The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Challenge for Social Welfare is an intensive, three-day programme designed for Una Europa doctoral and early-career researchers across all disciplines passionate about creating ethical and socially responsible AI solutions for social welfare. Participants will work on real-world challenges and design AI tools that address important social issues, guided by the principles of AI for Good—with a strong focus on ethics, bias, and human rights. The programme combines hands-on co-design activities -like hackathons and youth design assemblies- with expert ethical support. Emphasizing both technical excellence and ethical reflection, this challenge fosters a new generation of AI practitioners who are not only innovative but also socially responsible.

This programme is embedded as one of the academic and cultural experiences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid Summer Courses. Taking place from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the historic village of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid), it offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge knowledge while immersed in one of Spain's most significant heritage sites and a vibrant cultural experience.

Date & location

22 - 24 July, 2026. Universidad Complutense de Madrid Summer Campus, located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. View on Google Maps

Contact

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence coordination team at Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Professor Juan Antonio Recio, academic coordinator of this challenge. ssc_dsai@ucm.es

Submit your application by 17 April, 2026!

Why should I apply?

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, inclusive learning environment guided by professors from Una Europa Universities, experts from this initiative’s sponsor Bosch, and partners of the EU funded project Assessment of Learning Technologies and Frameworks for Intelligent and Ethical AI (ALFIE). By embedding ethical oversight at every stage of development, the Una Europa DSAI Challenge for Social Welfare cultivates not only innovative solutions but also a lasting sense of societal responsibility in its participants. You will:

Gain access to curated datasets, validation tools, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s AI for Good publications.
Get practical experience in ethical AI design through co-design collaboration and continuous feedback.
Win recognition through awards for technical excellence and ethical integrity.
Develop essential research and professional skills, including teamwork and presentation techniques.

How do I apply?

Complete the application form no later than 10:00 PM (CET) on April 17, 2026.

You will need to submit:

An updated CV (maximum of 2 pages).
A motivation letter (one page).
Your university affiliation and contact details
You will also accept this Summer School Terms and Conditions, as well as the Una Europa Code of Conduct for Events.

Academics from Una Europa will review the applications and allocate places based on uniform criteria agreed upon by all participating Una Europa universities.
Selected candidates will be notified no later than May 1, 2026.
Participants who have been accepted must confirm their participation no later than 8 May and pay the registration fee before 15 May 2026.

What is the cost?

There is a tuition fee of 100€ , mandatory for all participants.
Thanks to the course sponsors, primarily Bosch Spain, selected participants from Una Europa universities will have accommodation and meals fully covered.
Participants need to arrange and cover their transportation to Madrid.

The program includes transportation from Madrid to El Escorial, where students will be accommodated from Tuesday, the 21th, to Friday, the 24th, with full board (lodging and all meals) .

What can I expect?

This learning experience will:

Equip participants with the skills to design AI solutions that tackle critical societal issues.
Foster a deep understanding of ethical principles in AI development.
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration through a unique structure that blends technical, journalistic, and ethical expertise.
Offer hands-on experience with ethical framework, bias mitigation strategies, and real-time expert consultation.
Explore the implications of the EU AI Act and its relevance to responsible AI development.
Analyse AI solutions from the User eXperience (UX) perspective.
Participants will be invited to submit their projects for a special issue of the Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Computing Applications.

The course runs Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, with an afternoon session from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. On Friday, classes take place only in the morning, concluding with an awards ceremony honouring the best projects.

You can review and download the full programme at this link.

Beyond the core programme, participants can enjoy a diverse array of cultural activities, including concerts, exhibitions and live performances. Aditionally, they will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses invaluable artistic and literary treasures.

Am I eligible to take part?

The DSAI Challenge welcomes doctoral and early-career researchers from Una Europa universities with diverse academic backgrounds, all interested in developing ethical, responsible AI solutions for social welfare.

Some examples of intended participants include:

Computer Science & AI specialists integrating ethical frameworks into development practices.
Data Scientists ensuring their analyses consider social impact.
Social Science researchers studying technology's effects on communities.
Law researchers and legal professionals exploring AI regulations.
Philosophy researchers with expertise in ethics and societal implications.
Public Policy experts analysing governance frameworks.
Design specialists focusing on human-centred approaches.

English proficiency: B2 level or higher is required for full participation.

Interested? Complete the application form by 17 April 2026

This initiative was created as part of Una Europa’s Focus Area in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and is part of the educational and research joint programmes of the Una.Futura project.