Call for Papers: UNESCO x ENS-PSL Advancing Research on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026

Overview

UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute at École normale supérieure (ENS-PSL) in Paris have launched a call for papers inviting recent PhD graduates to submit proposals presenting research on the ethics of artificial intelligence. The initiative is grounded in the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. It aims to promote emerging research, encourage interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen links between academic scholarship, public policy and practice.

Authors of selected proposals can present their research at a one-day academic event hosted by ENS in Paris on 10 December 2026. The event brings together emerging scholars, established researchers and representatives of academic institutions for thematic discussions and expert feedback.

Research topics

Submissions may cover, but are not limited to, multistakeholder and adaptive governance, fairness, accountability and transparency, human rights and AI, AI ethics literacy, youth, mental health and health, social inclusion, culture and knowledge systems, environment and climate action, gender equality, vulnerable or underrepresented groups, AI in public policy, research and innovation, AI ethics and the Sustainable Development Goals, and the ethics of AI in STEM, basic sciences and frontier technologies.

Who can apply

The call is open to researchers who completed a PhD within the past five years and whose work deals with the ethics of artificial intelligence. All relevant disciplines and geographic regions are welcome, and interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives are particularly encouraged. Theoretical, empirical, comparative, interdisciplinary and practice-oriented contributions are accepted. Co-authored proposals are allowed if both authors meet the eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Applicants submit an extended abstract of 800 to 1,000 words, excluding references. It should include the paper title, the research question and its relevance to the call, the conceptual or theoretical framework, methodology where applicable, principal findings or argument, the paper's contribution to research on AI ethics, and three to five keywords. A separate author information page is also required, with full name, institutional affiliation, country, email address, the title, institution and year of PhD completion, and a short biography of up to 150 words. Submissions must be in English, in Word or PDF format, and the abstract must not contain the author's name or other identifying information.

Key dates

The deadline is October 30, 2026. The academic event takes place in Paris on 10 December 2026.