Courses
Winter School on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Human Rights
4th Edition
In partnership with:
Location: LHA / online
Duration: 25 hours
Dates: December 14–18, 2026
Registration fee: €1,000 in person / €800 online
Application deadline: 30 November 2026
Open Day
Will take place online on Monday, October 12, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Register and join us to find out everything you need to know about the course.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping societies and creating new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, these developments pose significant ethical challenges, particularly when it comes to safeguarding fundamental human rights. Issues such as algorithmic bias, discrimination and fairness highlight the disproportionate effects AI can have on marginalized communities. The tension between public safety and personal freedom becomes particularly critical as AI technologies are integrated into vital sectors, including criminal justice, healthcare, employment and beyond. The international community continues to face significant challenges arising from advances in AI. In December 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council, stating: “Humanity’s destiny cannot be left to algorithms.” He stressed the urgent need for international AI governance, warning that the rapid pace of AI development is outstripping regulatory efforts and increasing risks to global peace and security. Guterres highlighted critical concerns, including safety, equality, accountability and the need to maintain human oversight in AI-driven decision-making.
The Winter School provides a comprehensive overview of the main scientific features of AI (starting with a definition and describing its key characteristics, developments and latest advances), as well as emerging ethical issues and their impact on human rights in today's world. Participants will explore the key ethical principles and values surrounding AI, such as meaningful human control, reliability, explainability, transparency, non-discrimination, privacy, surveillance, autonomy and accountability, and sustainability, and examine how these principles and values should guide our actions throughout the AI lifecycle, from design to development and implementation, and through to real-world applications.
The aim is to outline how technologies can threaten human dignity or be used to protect it, from a human-centred perspective. During the week, participants will explore the philosophical and legal frameworks governing AI and human rights in the international context, examining recent European regulation (the AI Act, 2024) and outlining how international human rights law applies to AI technologies. The course will then focus on critical issues such as algorithmic bias, discrimination and inequalities in AI systems, highlighting their impact on marginalised communities and society, as well as the tension between public security and personal freedom in an increasingly data-driven world. It will address the ethical responsibilities of technology companies, governments, societies and individuals in mitigating the risks associated with AI and its impact on specific fields. The course will also cover neuro-AI (the convergence of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence) and specific cases in healthcare, criminal justice and labour rights, focusing on vulnerabilities. By the end of the course, participants will have developed an understanding of the complex relationship between AI, ethics and human rights, and acquired the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to critically assess AI’s role in society.
Through lectures, document analysis, case studies, interactive discussions and expert insights, participants will explore ways to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in ways that prioritise ethical considerations and respect for human rights. This dynamic learning environment will engage and empower participants to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on balancing scientific and technological innovation with equity and justice through a human-centred approach.
Course overview
Location, duration, schedule
Sede
Lumsa Human Academy – Fondazione Luigia Tincani, Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli n. 86, Roma
Durata
25 hours
Date
14–18 December 2026
Orari
from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Who Can Apply and Certificate Awarded
Destinatari
The course is intended for university students, graduates, PhD candidates, professionals, United Nations personnel and anyone interested in artificial intelligence who wishes to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics and human rights.
Certificate
The certificate of attendance is jointly issued by Lumsa Human Academy and UNICRI.
Structure and Programme
Per gli iscritti in presenza
Classes will be held at Lumsa Human Academy, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Per gli iscritti on line
Classes will be streamed on the dedicated online platform, Google Meet, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Programma
The Winter School offers professional, legal, social, scientific and academic perspectives through lectures, interactive debates, case studies and expert insights. Its faculty includes leading scholars and academics from LUMSA and other universities, as well as representatives of the United Nations system, international human rights organizations and civil society. Whether attending in person at the beautiful LUMSA Human Academy venue in the heart of Rome, Italy, or via a dedicated online platform, participants will have the opportunity to engage with internationally recognized experts and peers from around the world, exchange views and perspectives, and build lasting professional relationships. This specialized course aims to foster intercultural dialogue and promote a deeper understanding of some of the world’s most complex and debated issues.
(UNICRI and LHA reserve the right to modify or supplement any content mentioned or referenced above, with or without notice. They shall not be held liable in any way for such modifications or supplements to participants or third-party affiliates.)
Directors, Scientific Committee and Coordinators
Direttori
Prof. Laura Palazzani, Full Professor of Philosophy of Law, LUMSA University, Rome
Dr Cristina Nardelli, Senior Fellow at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
Comitato Scientifico
Prof. Stefano Zamagni, President of LUMSA Human Academy
Prof. Iolanda Piccinini, Full Professor of Employment Law, LUMSA University
Prof. Margherita Daverio, Research Fellow (RTD-A) in Philosophy of Law, LUMSA University
Prof. Valerio Mancini, Professor at Rome Business School
Prof. Marco Isceri, Lawyer, PhD, Professor at LUMSA University
Academic Coordinator
Prof. Valerio Mancini, Professor, Rome Business School
Classroom Tutor
Dr. Giacomo Chironi, PhD, Researcher in Moral Philosophy, LUMSA University of Rome
Tuition and discounts
€1,000 in person
€800 online
Payment method: bank transfer
Beneficiary: Lumsa Human Academy Luigia Tincani
IBAN: IT72W030609606100000189585
BIC/SWIFT: BCITITMM
Payment reference: first name, last name and Winter School 2026.
AGEVOLAZIONI:
For students, former students and Lumsa Alumni:
€900 in person;
€750 online;
To qualify for the discount, you must submit a self-certification at the time of registration confirming that you are a current or former student or an alumnus of LUMSA.
The enrolment fee is refundable only if the course does not run.
Partnerships
UNICRI
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organisations in their efforts to formulate and implement better policies in the fields of crime prevention and the administration of justice. UNICRI is one of the six United Nations research and training institutes.
Since 2015, UNICRI has been addressing the challenges of AI through its Centre for AI and Robotics in The Hague (Netherlands), which promotes understanding of AI risks and benefits through coordination, knowledge-sharing and awareness-raising. The Centre is dedicated to understanding and addressing the risks and benefits of AI and robotics from a crime and security perspective through awareness-raising, education, information exchange and stakeholder coordination.
LUMSA University
In 2024, it established a Centre for Bioethics and Digital Transition in Rome, which promotes interdisciplinary dialogue spanning computer science, the humanities and social sciences, ethics, law and politics, to reflect on the theoretical foundations and practical application of a human-centred approach to AI. The Centre coordinates European and international research projects on AI ethics in healthcare and the workplace, with particular attention to vulnerabilities.
