UNESCO ENS PSL Advancing Research on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026

UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute at École normale supérieure, ENS PSL, in Paris have launched the Advancing Research on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026 call for papers. The initiative invites recent PhD graduates to submit research proposals examining ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence and its growing impact on society.

The call is grounded in the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and aims to support emerging research while encouraging interdisciplinary exchange. It also seeks to strengthen connections between academic research, public policy and practical approaches to the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence.

Researchers from all relevant disciplines and geographic regions are encouraged to apply. The initiative welcomes theoretical, empirical, comparative, interdisciplinary and practice oriented research, with particular encouragement for work that connects different sectors, disciplines and perspectives.

About the Opportunity

The initiative provides a platform for researchers at an early stage of their academic careers to contribute to international discussions about responsible artificial intelligence. It is particularly relevant for researchers whose work examines how AI intersects with human rights, governance, social inclusion, sustainability, health, gender equality, public policy, scientific research and emerging technologies.

The programme is based on the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which provides an international framework for addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI.

Selected researchers will present their work during thematic sessions at the December academic event in Paris. The programme will include expert talks, fireside conversations, research presentations, moderated discussions and interactive AI ethics labs examining research dilemmas, methodological questions and policy challenges.

Following the event, UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute will produce proceedings bringing together selected contributions and key discussions. Selected authors may also be invited to adapt their research for publication in the Tribune of the Conseil de l’intelligence artificielle et du numérique, providing an opportunity to reach a wider public and policy audience.

Opportunity Benefits

• Opportunity to present research at an academic event hosted by ENS in Paris

• Engagement with emerging scholars and established researchers

• Expert feedback on research related to AI ethics

• Participation in thematic discussions and AI ethics labs

• Opportunity to connect academic research with public policy and practice

• Inclusion in proceedings produced by UNESCO and the AI and Society Institute

• Potential opportunity to adapt research for publication in the Tribune of the Conseil de l’intelligence artificielle et du numérique

• Travel support for one selected author to attend the academic event in Paris

Research Topics

Applicants may submit research addressing a wide range of issues connected to the ethics of artificial intelligence. Suggested areas include:

• Multistakeholder and adaptive governance and collaboration

• Fairness, accountability and transparency

• Human rights and artificial intelligence

• Awareness and AI ethics literacy

• Youth, mental health, health and the ethics of AI

• Social inclusion

• Culture and knowledge systems

• Environment, sustainability and climate action

• Gender equality

• Vulnerable or underrepresented groups

• Ethical dimensions of AI in public policy, research and innovation

• AI ethics and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

• Ethics of AI and STEM and basic sciences

• Ethics of AI and frontier technologies

Applicants are not limited to these topics, provided their proposed research addresses relevant questions concerning the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have completed a PhD within the past five years

• Applicants must have research addressing issues related to the ethics of artificial intelligence

• Researchers from all relevant academic disciplines are eligible

• Applicants from all geographic regions are welcome

• Interdisciplinary perspectives are particularly encouraged

• Cross sectoral perspectives are particularly encouraged

• Theoretical contributions are welcome

• Empirical research is welcome

• Comparative research is welcome

• Interdisciplinary research is welcome

• Practice oriented research is welcome

• Co authored proposals are permitted when both authors meet the eligibility requirements

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare an extended abstract of 800 to 1,000 words, excluding references. The abstract should contain:

• Title of the proposed paper

• Research question and its relevance to the call

• Conceptual or theoretical framework

• Methodology, where applicable

• Principal findings or argument

• Contribution of the paper to research on the ethics of AI

• Three to five keywords

Applicants must also provide a separate author information page containing:

• Full name

• Institutional affiliation

• Country

• Email address

• Title of PhD

• Institution where the PhD was completed

• Year of PhD completion

• Short biography of no more than 150 words

The submission must be written in English and provided in Word or PDF format. The extended abstract should be anonymised and must not contain the applicant’s name or other identifying information.

How to Apply

1. Review the UNESCO and ENS PSL call and confirm that your research aligns with the ethics of artificial intelligence.
2. Develop an original research proposal addressing a relevant ethical, social, policy, governance or interdisciplinary question.
3. Prepare an 800 to 1,000 word extended abstract covering the research question, relevance, conceptual or theoretical framework, methodology where applicable, principal findings or argument, contribution and keywords.
4. Prepare a separate author information page containing your personal, institutional and PhD information and a biography of no more than 150 words.
5. Ensure that the extended abstract does not contain your name or other identifying information.
6. Convert the submission into Word or PDF format and ensure that it is written in English.
7. Submit the proposal through the official UNESCO application form before the deadline.
8. If selected, prepare the full paper of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 words by December 1, 2026.