The Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence webinar series is a monthly initiative dedicated to exploring the key challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence.
It brings together students, academics, faculty members, and external stakeholders in an interdisciplinary space for dialogue, with the aim of examining recent developments and their impact on society. Each session focuses on a specific theme — from human-centered AI and governance to sustainability and health, as well as emerging research frontiers such as the intersection between AI and quantum technologies.
The webinars feature contributions from experts with diverse backgrounds, offering complementary perspectives and fostering meaningful exchange across disciplines. Each session includes presentations followed by interactive discussions and audience engagement.
The series is conceived as an open and ongoing platform that promotes collaboration within the Circle U. alliance and encourages critical reflection on the transformative role of AI in contemporary society.
Programme
This seminar explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Through expert presentations and discussion, it examines current developments, challenges, and future prospects of Quantum AI, assessing its potential impact on machine learning and distinguishing realistic advances from speculative claims.
Speakers:
Giovanni Acampora (Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II")
Morten Hjorth-Jensen (Universitetet i Oslo)
Moderators:
Gergely Bérczi, Stephan Oepen
The seminar will explore the complex relationship between Artificial Intelligence and democracy, examining how AI can both empower citizens—enhancing participation, access to information, and public decision-making—and pose new risks, including disinformation, manipulation, and concentration of digital power. It will also consider AI’s potential as a force for positive global development, supporting innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development at a global scale.
Speakers:
Christoph Fuchs (University of Vienna)
Stefano Cresci (CNR - Italian National Research Council)
Moderators:
Dan Banik (University of Oslo)
Francesco Marcelloni (University of Pisa)
The AI for Science seminar explores how artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for scientific discovery across chemistry, materials science, and the study of complex physical phenomena. Through two research talks, the seminar will highlight how modern machine learning methods can complement traditional scientific modelling, from quantum-chemical descriptions of surface reactions to data-driven approaches for understanding the microscopic physics of ice.
Speakers:
From quantum chemistry to machine learning: new tools for exploring surface reactions
Sigbjørn Løland Bore (Hylleraas Center of Excellence)
Learning from adversarial attacks to understand the slipperiness of ice
Registration
Contacts
Prof. Francesco Marcelloni
Academic Director of the Knowledge Hub on AI
francesco.marcelloni@unipi.it
