The call for proposals is now open for the VI MeLCi Lab Autumn School, dedicated to the theme “Advanced School on AI Research Practice in Media and Communication”, which will take place online, from 10 to 13 November 2026.

Organised by CICANT – MeLCi and AISIC Labs at Lusófona University, the initiative aims to bring together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career researchers interested in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research practices in the field of Communication.

The programme combines practical workshops and plenary sessions with international researchers, including: Dennis Nguyen, Utrecht University; Igor Kanižaj, Catholic University of Croatia; Joëlle Swart, University of Groningen; Max Schich, Tallinn University, Estonia; and Petter Törnberg, University of Amsterdam. The Autumn School aims to contribute to the development of skills in the use of AI tools while also encouraging critical reflection on the methodological, ethical and social challenges associated with their use in research.

The proposed topics include the use of AI in literature searches, data annotation using language models, transparency in AI-generated results, media literacy, and issues of ethics, equity and inclusion in AI research.

Proposals must be submitted by 15 September 2026, in English, which will also be the language of instruction. Applicants must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae, a document describing their PhD or research project, and a motivation letter including a reflection on their perspective on AI and its role in the media.

Participation costs €70 for PhD students from Lusófona University/CICANT, €150 for PhD students from other institutions, and €200 for all other participants.

More information about the event is available here.