The Circle U. Summer school “AI and Society in a Transforming World” will be held from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the University of Belgrade.

Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology of our age. This interdisciplinary Summer School explores the interplay of AI and society in this transformation. It will examine its technological underpinnings, its social drivers and effects, and how they interact. It brings together a broad range of participants and speakers from the member universities of the Circle U. Alliance, creating a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. 

Key topics:

  • Agentic artificial intelligence
  • Large language models
  • Ethical aspects of artificial intelligence
  • AI policy, regulation, and societal impacts
  • Human and machine decision-making

Learning outcomes

Participants will engage in lectures, workshops, case studies, and hands-on group projects, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge to understand the AI systems and the new technological revolution which is built upon and their interplay with human society. Collaborative sessions will encourage interdisciplinary exchange, creative thinking, and critical reflection on the topic.

Admission to the course

Target audience & eligibility

  • Enrolment in a PhD programme at one of the partner universities in Circle U, or status of Postdoc.
  • Open to all disciplines
  • Applicants must be registered at one of the Circle U. European Alliance universities.

Programme

The programme consists of weeklong, in-person course at the University of Belgrade in the period 7-11 September 2026 (a detailed programme will be sent to successful applicants). The Summer school will mainly be taught by professors and lecturers from Circle U. member universities.

The students will be expected to actively engage in class discussions and group work.

Why should I apply?

During the summer school, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Explain the fundamental concepts and technological foundations of artificial intelligence, including key methods, tools, and applications.
  • Analyze the societal drivers and impacts of AI, including ethical, economic, political, and cultural dimensions.
  • Critically assess the interaction between AI technologies and human society, identifying both opportunities and risks.
  • Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to understand complex challenges related to AI and its societal implications.
  • Engage in collaborative problem-solving through group projects addressing real-world AI-related issues

Examination

Attendance and active participation in all sessions is required to receive the Circle U. certificate. 

Additionally, participants will work in groups during the summer school and will have to present their projects on the last day of the school.

 

Additional information

ECTS

The Summer school will issue 3 ECTS, delivered by University of Belgrade. Participants who wants ECTS to be recognized should contact their home institutions. 

 

Costs

  • The Summer school is free of tuition fees

  • Circle U. universities can offer travel grants to students to help cover the expenses for the travel, accommodation and food during the summer school, depending on local funding available. Please refer to your home institution in this matter. 

 

Application Guidelines

  • Applications will be open from April 1st until May 1st.

  • In order to apply, students need to make an account at MobioOn platform.

  • All documents must be uploaded in PDF format.

  • Ensure the scanned documents are easy to read 

  • Include all text on both front and back sides.

  • Along with the application form, please submit your CV, a motivation letter (maximum one page long), diplomas and a proof of registration in one of the Circle U. universities. 

 

Contact

For questions related to funding, ECTS recognition, mobility, or other course-related matters, please contact the Circle U. office at your home university:

Apply

Apply to AI and Society in a Transforming World by 30 April 2026

The alliance of 9 European Universities