The Student AI Summit 2026 will bring together students from across the CIVICA network for a two-day policy simulation exploring the future of artificial intelligence governance in Europe. Hosted at Sciences Po in Paris, the summit will give participants the opportunity to debate and draft policy recommendations on AI, misinformation, and digital rights.

Inspired by the work of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence created by the European Commission, the event simulates a high-level European policy forum. Students will represent stakeholders such as governments, technology companies, and civil society organisations while negotiating policy responses to some of Europe’s most pressing digital challenges.

The summit is organised by students from Sciences Po, in collaboration with partners from National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) and Central European University (CEU), and is supported by the CIVICA Student Engagement Fund.

Apply below!

Event details 

Date: 29 - 30 May 2026

Venue: Sciences Po

Audience: Students from Sciences Po, SNSPA, and CEU

Application deadline: 21 March, 2026


What to expect

Participants will take part in a simulated European policy forum focused on AI governance and digital rights. Working in committees, students will represent different stakeholders and collaborate to develop policy recommendations.

Key elements of the summit include:

  • Expert roundtables with academics and industry professionals
  • Committee debates on major AI governance challenges
  • Negotiation and drafting of policy recommendations
  • Networking and social events with students from across the CIVICA network

The final outcome of the summit will be a joint CIVICA Policy Recommendation Paper on AI governance.


Summit committees

Participants will join one of four committees examining key policy challenges:

  • Misinformation and Manipulation of Social Media
    Examining how AI and social media platforms contribute to misinformation and what regulatory responses — such as the Digital Services Act - can address these challenges.
     
  • Algorithmic Bias and Social Justice
    Exploring discrimination in AI systems used in areas such as hiring, law enforcement, and healthcare, and assessing the implications of the AI Act.
     
  • AI Accountability and Governance in a Democracy
    Investigating how AI affects democratic institutions, elections, and public trust.
     
  • AI, Privacy, and Digital Rights
    Analysing tensions between innovation and privacy, and examining protections under the General Data Protection Regulation and the AI Act.


Roles for participants

Students can apply either as committee participants or committee chairs.

  • Committee Chairs
    Chairs lead discussions, facilitate negotiation, and guide their committee toward drafting final policy recommendations.
     
  • Committee Participants
    Participants represent stakeholders such as technology companies, NGOs, or regulatory bodies, advocating for their interests while negotiating policy outcomes.

To support participants, organisers will provide:

  • A detailed study guide outlining key issues and debates
  • A role guide describing the stakeholder each participant represents
  • A debate roadmap explaining the rules and structure of the policy simulation
     

Why attend?

  • The summit offers students the opportunity to:
  • Develop skills in policy negotiation, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving
  • Engage with AI governance challenges shaping Europe’s digital future
  • Work with peers from multiple universities and disciplines
  • Contribute to a CIVICA policy recommendation paper
     

How to apply

Students can apply by completing the application form before 21 March, 2026.

Application form: https://forms.gle/U6S6EafmnkuS9Z9NA

For further information, contact: student.ai.summit.civica.sef@gmail.com