Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The UNESCO-ENS Call for Papers on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is a competitive research initiative targeting emerging scholars who completed their PhD within the past five years. Jointly organized by UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute at École normale supérieure (ENS-PSL) in Paris, this call invites submissions of extended abstracts presenting original research on AI ethics. Selected participants present their work at a one-day academic event in Paris on 10 December 2026, with opportunities for publication and policy engagement.
This initiative is grounded in the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and aims to bridge academic scholarship with public policy and practice. For researchers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to contribute African perspectives to global AI governance discussions and connect with leading international experts.
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Research Topics
Submissions may address any of the following thematic areas:
- Multistakeholder and adaptive governance and collaboration
- Fairness, accountability and transparency
- Human rights and AI
- Awareness and AI ethics literacy
- Youth, mental health, health and ethics of AI
- Social inclusion
- Culture and knowledge systems
- Environment, sustainability and climate action
- Gender equality
- Vulnerable or underrepresented groups
- Ethical dimensions of AI in public policy, research and innovation
- AI ethics and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals
- Ethics of AI and STEM and basic sciences
- Ethics of AI and frontier technologies
Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives are particularly encouraged. Theoretical, empirical, comparative, and practice-oriented contributions are all welcome.
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Eligibility Requirements
This call is open to researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Completed a PhD within the past 5 years
- Research addresses issues related to the ethics of artificial intelligence
- All relevant disciplines and geographic regions are welcome
- Co-authored proposals are permitted provided both authors meet eligibility requirements
There are no restrictions based on nationality, institutional affiliation, or country of residence. Researchers from African institutions, including Zimbabwe and SADC countries, are explicitly encouraged to apply.
What the Opportunity Provides
Selected authors receive:
- Invitation to present research at the one-day academic event in Paris on 10 December 2026
- Expert feedback from established researchers and policy representatives
- Opportunity to submit a full paper (5,000–7,000 words) for inclusion in proceedings
- Invitation to adapt research for publication in the Tribune of the Conseil de l’intelligence artificielle et du numérique (CIANum)
- Travel support for one selected author to attend the Paris event (recipient determined post-selection)
The academic event includes thematic sessions, expert talks, fireside conversations, and interactive “AI ethics labs” examining research dilemmas and policy challenges.
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your proposal:
- Prepare your extended abstract (800–1,000 words, excluding references): Include title, research question and relevance, conceptual/theoretical framework, methodology, principal findings or argument, contribution to AI ethics research, and 3–5 keywords. Do not include your name or identifying information in the abstract.
- Prepare author information page: Include full name, institutional affiliation, country, email address, PhD title, institution and year of completion, and a 150-word biography.
- Format requirements: Submit in English, in Word or PDF format.
- Submit via online form: Complete the submission form linked on the UNESCO announcement page.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 30 October 2026
- Notification of selected proposals: 15 November 2026
- Full paper submission deadline: 1 December 2026
- Academic event: 10 December 2026 in Paris, France
Selection Process
Proposals are reviewed by the laureates and jury members of the UNESCO Beruniy Prize for Scientific Research on the Ethics of AI. The Selection Committee comprises distinguished members of the UNESCO Beruniy Prize International Jury and Laureates. Selection criteria emphasize originality, relevance to AI ethics, methodological rigor, and potential policy impact.
Publication and Dissemination
Following the event, UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute will produce proceedings documenting contributions and key discussions. Selected authors will also be invited to adapt their research for the Tribune of the Conseil de l’intelligence artificielle et du numérique, extending reach to policy audiences and the broader public.
Practical Considerations for African Applicants
Researchers from Zimbabwe and SADC countries should note:
- English is the required language for submissions—no translation services are provided
- Internet connectivity for form submission should be planned in advance
- Travel support is competitive and awarded to one selected author only; applicants should not assume coverage of travel costs
- The general event is open to all, with registration available on UNESCO’s website
- No visa assistance information is published; applicants should consult French embassy requirements independently
Official scholarship page: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/call-papers-advancing-research-ethics-artificial-intelligence
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