Open to undergraduate and Master’s students from Aurora universities, this Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “AI and Ethics” is organised by Palacký University Olomouc in cooperation with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (including Amsterdam University College) and the University of Iceland. The BIP focuses on AI, ethics and digital humanities and explores the societal impact of AI-driven decision-making.

Through a blended learning format, participants will critically examine real-world cases in which algorithms have shaped or harmed individuals and communities. The course also explores the political, social and theoretical factors that can contribute to such harm. Students will develop interdisciplinary analytical skills, apply critical discourse analysis, engage in audiovisual storytelling and media presentation of specific cases, and propose ethical and practical solutions for responsible AI governance in line with the LOUIS competences framework.

The virtual component will begin on 19 October 2026 with an introductory session with the participating teachers, followed by a lecture/workshop on 23 October. The main on-site part of the BIP will take place from 2 to 6 November 2026 at Palacký University Olomouc. The programme will conclude with an online presentation of the main results and conclusions on 7 December 2026.

The BIP offers 6 ECTS and corresponds to 50 hours of student workload, including physical sessions, preparation and finalisation activities. The language of instruction is English and a minimum English language level of B2 is required. A maximum of 10 students can participate, with priority given to students from Aurora partner universities. No additional requirements apply.

Procedure

Interested students should contact the Aurora office at their home university for information about the application and selection procedure. The selection procedure will be carried out by the home university. Students should also apply individually at their home institution for funding to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Nominated students should be submitted by their home university by 25 September 2026. The nomination should include:

• Name and surname
• Institutional email address
• Study programme
• Year of study

The application deadline is 2 October 2026. At the host university, applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected students will receive further information from the host university.

Course Programme

Why join?

Participants will critically explore how artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making affect individuals and communities. Through lectures, interactive workshops, debates, case studies and collaborative activities, students will examine real-world examples of AI-related bias, discrimination and harm, while considering their wider social, political and ethical contexts. Working in an international and interdisciplinary environment, students will develop critical analytical skills and explore practical approaches to responsible and human-centred AI governance.

On-site module

Olomouc, 2–6 November

The intensive on-site programme combines lectures with interactive exercises, workshops, debates and project work. Participants will examine how AI systems categorise people and reproduce biases contained in data, investigate discrimination and the consequences of algorithmic decision-making, and consider questions of human autonomy and people-centred information management. They will also critically examine the capabilities and limitations of large language models. Throughout the week, students will work on their final projects with support from the instructors and conclude the programme by presenting their work and reflecting on the issues explored during the course.

Virtual component

19 and 23 October; 7 December

The programme includes online sessions before and after the intensive week in Olomouc. The initial sessions introduce the programme, instructors, key concepts and expectations, and prepare participants for the on-site activities. Before arriving in Olomouc, each participant will prepare a short video introducing themselves and explaining their connection to the topic. A final online session after the on-site module will provide space for further discussion, feedback and reflection.

Course content

The programme examines the societal and individual consequences of AI-driven decision-making, with particular attention to predictive policing, algorithmic bias and discrimination, algocracy, human autonomy, resilience and responsible AI governance. Participants will explore how datasets and systems of categorisation reflect cultural, historical and political assumptions, and how these assumptions can become embedded in AI systems. Other topics include data sovereignty, people-centred information management, the linguistic limitations of large language models, and strategies for mitigating discrimination and other harms associated with AI.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to critically evaluate the social and ethical consequences of AI and algorithmic decision-making and identify how bias and discrimination can emerge from data, categorisation and automated systems. They will be able to analyse concrete cases of AI-related harm from interdisciplinary perspectives, critically assess claims about the capabilities and limitations of AI systems, and discuss questions of human autonomy and accountability. Participants will also develop skills in critical discourse analysis, collaborative problem-solving, audiovisual communication and the presentation of complex AI-related issues to different audiences.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on participants’ active engagement with the programme and the development and presentation of project work. Before the on-site module, students will produce a 10-minute individual video introducing themselves and their relationship to the topic. During the intensive week, participants will develop their final projects with support from the instructors and present them on the final day, followed by discussion and reflection. The final online session will provide an additional opportunity for feedback and reflection on the projects and the programme as a whole.