Call for participation:
The rapid progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and its recent acceleration in power and visibility, particularly with the emergence of new large language models (LLMS) that power ChatGPT, force us to rethink the concept of “intelligence.” As the data used to train AI systems are not culturally diverse enough, and decisions are made based on statistical patterns with an obvious lack of contextual knowledge, AI systems may perpetuate cultural stereotypes, reinforce biases, and cause misunderstandings due to factual inaccuracies, leading to harm and discrimination. The lack of cultural intelligence in AI underscores the importance of human oversight in the deployment of these technologies. Therefore, it is critical to acquire cultural intelligence and sensitivity when dealing with AI-augmented texts and discourses.
The present summer school aims to promote culture-centered and humanities-oriented training in the study of AI by stimulating the exploration of the cross-cultural shortcomings of AI systems through project-based learning. The ultimate objective of the school is to enhance participants’ cultural intelligence, enabling them to interact confidently, mindfully, and creatively in diverse settings, including AI-enriched environments.
The program will feature a combination of lecture-based learning, hands-on workshops focused on case-study experiences, and group project sessions where students will collaborate in teams. It will offer a unique platform for talented BA (in their senior years), MA and PhD students, as well as postdocs and young researchers to participate in one week of enriching discussions on topics such as cultural intelligence, identity and AI, the ethics of AI, wise vs smart cross-cultural communication, AI and the future of creativity.
As a result, participants are expected to enhance their critical thinking, AI literacy, and intercultural communication competence, as well as develop management skills, an interdisciplinary mindset, and the ability to mediate in transnational settings. The immediate results include establishing new professional contacts, networking, sharing new ideas, and gaining first-hand experience in an AI-enriched work environment with a multicultural perspective.
The working language of the school is English.
The 2023 Summer School is designed for 15 selected participants from the ACROSS partner universities (http://across-university.org):
– Bialystok University of Technology (Poland)
– Rezekne Academy of Technologies (Latvia)
– University of Craiova (Romania)
– University of Udine (Italy)
– University of Lleida (Spain)
– University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
– University of Perpignan (France)
– University of Ruse (Bulgaria)
– University of Girona (Spain)
– Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany)
– Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (Ukraine)
Scholarships: Participants will receive a lump sum which should cover travel expenses as well as costs for accommodation and subsistence. The lump sum per participant is as follows:
– Participants from Poland – 440 EUR
– Participants from Latvia – 500 EUR
– Participants from Romania – 480 EUR
– Participants from Italy – 500 EUR
– Participants from Slovenia – 500 EUR
– Participants from France – 460 EUR
– Participants from Bulgaria – 520 EUR
– Participants from Spain – 520 EUR
– Participants from Ukraine – 600 EUR
The summer school participants will receive one payment after successful participation of the summer school, they will have to sign an agreement prior to the summer school.
To apply for the school, the applicants are asked to fill out and send an application form to the following email address: summer_school2023@lnu.edu.ua
The deadline for application submission is July 25, 2023.
All participants will be notified by July 30, 2023.