The first edition of the UniME PhD Summer Lab 2026, entitled “Where Is the Future Decided? From Geopolitics to AI: Futures Literacy Laboratory – UNESCO”, will begin tomorrow morning at the Department of Cognitive, Psychological, Pedagogical and Cultural Studies (COSPECS). The initiative, promoted and organized by the University’s Sustainability Committee, will run until 17 July at the Department’s premises. This afternoon, starting at 4:00 p.m., the Department will also host the Welcome Day for PhD students.
The event is part of the framework of the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the activities of RUS – the Italian University Network for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with ASviS – the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development, and under the High Patronage of UNESCO.
As previously announced, the Summer Lab offers an interdisciplinary programme focused on the major transformations shaping contemporary society and on the development of sustainable future scenarios. Through lectures, discussions and workshops inspired by the UNESCO Futures Literacy Laboratory methodology, participants will be encouraged to reflect on issues such as climate change, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, sustainability, food systems, the circular economy, sustainable fashion and the social responsibility of innovation.
The programme is structured around three thematic days:
- Day 1 – Climate change, artificial intelligence and science communication for future scenarios;
- Day 2 – Food systems, global cultures and the social valorisation of knowledge;
- Day 3 – Circular economy, sustainable fashion and the responsibility of innovation.
Participation is completely free of charge and represents an advanced training opportunity aimed at strengthening the transversal skills required for doctoral research, with particular attention to science communication, knowledge valorisation, and the ethical and social implications of innovation.