The German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes) launched a European Summer School on ‘Digital Europe’ for more than 90 highly talented and motivated students from all study backgrounds. Partnering with the College of Europe (Bruges), the Studienstiftung offered 21 fully funded spots for the participation of incoming students of the Madeleine Albright Promotion from all departments, as a voluntary activity before the start of the academic year 2023-24.
The programme aimed at offering participants insights into cutting-edge European research, interactive work with practitioners in European institutions and companies, lively discussions on European topics, excursions, and international networking.
The European Summer School took place from 8 August – 19 August 2023 at 'Buitenplaats Bergse Bossen' in Driebergen near Utrecht. lt was composed of five interdisciplinary working groups of approx. 20 participants each that were led by high-level experts with in-depth academic and/or practical knowledge and experience. College of Europe Visiting Professor Sorina Teleanu (IRD) guided one of the working groups. Participants got insights into current research output and innovation with regard to Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, Data Protection, Governance and Digital Law as well as Societal Change and Ethics of Digitalization. More specifically, the themes of the 5 working groups of the European Summer School on ‘Digital Europe’ were:
- What May Our Future Look Like? Opportunities and Threats of the Digital Revolution
- Mixed Reality and the Metaverse. Shaping the Future of Digital Europe!?
- AI in Creative Processes
- AI Governance – A perfect State without HR factors?
- Principles for Our Digital Future: Guiding the Development and Use of Digital Technologies for the Common Good
Two excursion days to Amsterdam and The Hague, as well as regular evening lectures, discussions and cultural activities in cooperation with local partners completed the vibrant programme, still assuring enough free time and open space for networking and creative input from the participants.
The College of Europe is honoured and grateful for this cooperation with the German Academic Scholarship Foundation and the wonderful opportunity offered to the participating students!