Lucy Avraamidou, Andreea Sburlea, Lorena Flórez Rojas and Yichen Rao

AI technologies are being rapidly deployed across society often without critical examination of their harmful implications. How might we challenge the dominant narrative of unchecked techno-optimism? Can we reimagine technology to prioritize social justice and human values instead? Professor of Science Education Lucy Avraamidou will critically examine the social dimensions of AI technologies, with justice at the centre. She provides concrete insights into how we might reconceptualize AI by integrating often-overlooked dimensions: the democratization of technology, sustainability, and care.

Following the lecture, Avraamidou will explore the role of AI in shaping the future in a panel discussion with computer scientist Andreea Sburlea, as well as expert in tech-law Lorena Flórez Rojas and digital anthropologist Yichen Rao. Together, they will interrogate the ethical, technical, and societal challenges that arise when technology intersects with justice, democracy, and human well-being.

Lucy Avraamidou is the Director of the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (RUG), and the current President of the European Science Education Association. Her research is associated with theoretical and empirical explorations of what it means to widen and diversify science engagement with a focus on social justice and transformation.

Lorena Flórez Rojas is an Assistant Professor of Law and Technology (RUG). Her work focuses on the regulation and governance of emerging digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on AI, algorithmic decision-making, and data-driven regulation. She currently works on a research project on AI accountability and algorithmic governance which combines legal analysis, taxonomy-building, and implementation guidelines.

Andreea Sburlea is a Tenured Assistant Professor in Human-Centered Intelligence (RUG). Her research interest covers neuroscience, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence (AI). From her current position, she promotes critical learning about AI, learning with ethical AI, and learning for responsible human-AI collaboration.

Yichen Rao is an Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology (UU) and the China AI Lead at the Inclusive AI Lab. Rao’s research examines how digital and AI infrastructures, fintech systems, and gaming cultures reshape economic life, moral worlds, and social relations in global China.

Organized together with Studium Generale Groningen.