The TAIGA days this year will not be focused on presenting interesting AI developments of the past year, but rather focus on shaping the four new overall themes of TAIGA for the next years. Besides the eight focus areas (that will continue) that were meant to develop the research in specific areas across the university we will now use the following four themes to create more synergies, while also allowing new groups to actively participate.
The four themes are strategically chosen to both provide a recognizable profile for TAIGA and to connect with strong research profiles of the university. The four themes are:
The themes are NOT mutually exclusive and people can contribute to several of them and research can fit in more than one theme as well. We want to co-create the concrete content of the themes with all motivated people at university and the region. The first important step will be taken during the TAIGA days. A first sketch of what we understand to be included by the themes is the following:
Arctic AI should be about AI theory and systems specifically connected to aspects of the Arctic. E.g. NLP for minority languages, e-health for isolated areas, support to cope with climate change in the Arctic, or other examples.
Power and AI is about how the use of AI influences the power balance in society. It can give more power to certain groups of people, it can support or undermine democracy, AI policies can benefit some groups and neglect others, AI can change human interactions, or other examples.
AI for the region is meant to reach out specifically outside university and connect AI research at university with needs of municipalities, companies and other regional organizations, or other examples.
AI and education is aiming to create a roadmap for AI education both at university as well as in the region. This roadmap can be used to coordinate efforts already underway and facilitate discussion on where more efforts are needed.
E.g. should we start an interdisciplinary AI or have a CS AI bachelor or both. How about several interdisciplinary AI Master programs? What are the needs of industry and municipalities wrt AI literacy? Are they the same or different? What role can we play in this education? Who should fund these efforts?
For each theme we have half a day at the TAIGA days. Each session starts with an inspirational talk followed by a round table discussion with all participants. The goal of each session is to have a list of interested people and some concrete action points for the next months. If you are interested in one or more themes, please, register for the sessions and bring your ideas! You do not need to know how to solve problems with AI! As long as you have interesting ideas that you think could be tackled (partly) with AI you are welcome to come.
Besides the four sessions on the four themes there will also be a session on Friday especially for and by students. This is only for students! But then all students interested in AI or doing research in AI or with AI are welcome to come and see who else is doing that. This is the first event of the S4S group of TAIGA that hopes to bring students that have an interest in AI together. More will follow!
Preliminary program
Participation is free, but please register to selected sessions or the whole program. More details will be added to this event page as the program develops. Last date to register is November 12. Registration link
19:30–21:30 | Rotundan
Kick-off the TAIGA days together with AI Policy Lab Days finale with a powerful and acclaimed documentary. Humans in the Loop offers an intimate portrait of a young data annotator in India and reveals the hidden human labor behind today’s AI. Snacks and warm drinks will be served. The 72-minute screening will be followed by a discussion on the unseen role of data workers in the AI industry. Registration is required and places are limited (via AI Policy Lab).
8:30–16:00 | Vardagsrummet
Each day: 8:30-9:00, Mingel and registration | 10:00–10:15, Coffee | 12:00–13:00, Lunch & Networking | 14:00–14:15, Coffee
How does AI influence power and democracy, and how can we as researchers shape its role in society? This session invites colleagues from across the university to take part in an open conversation, where ideas and perspectives are shared rather than just presented. The aim is to connect curious researchers and spark small initiatives that can grow into future collaborations.
How can AI help us understand and address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Arctic? This interactive session invites researchers from across the university to share perspectives, spark new connections, and explore ideas that could grow into future collaborations.
8:30–16:00 | Vardagsrummet
Each day: 8:30-9:00, Mingel and registration | 10:00–10:15, Coffee | 12:00–13:00, Lunch & Networking | 14:00–14:15, Coffee
Parallel Sessions
How can AI support the needs of industry, healthcare, and public actors in the Umeå region? This session brings together researchers and external partners for an open exchange of ideas, with the goal of identifying needs, building connections, and inspiring future collaborations.
Parallel Sessions
This session is for students at all levels—bachelor, master’s, and PhD—who want to explore AI research at Umeå University and its connection to TAIGA’s themes. It’s a chance to meet researchers, share ideas, and discover opportunities for collaboration. The event is hosted by the TAIGA S4S (Students for Students) group.
How prepared are we across universities, schools, and industry for an AI-driven future? This session begins with an inspirational talk by Professor Ola Lindberg, titled “Where do we go without a roadmap?”, exploring why clear AI strategies for education are essential, and what happens when they are missing.
Participants will then engage in collaborative workshops to uncover blind spots in current AI education. What types of learning are lacking for students, teachers, researchers, and professionals? Where do we need to strengthen our efforts? Through dialogue and shared mapping, we aim to identify gaps, surface opportunities, and lay the groundwork for new joint initiatives.
Round off TAIGA Days with a creative and social gathering hosted by UmArts. The AI Jam sessions bring together an interdisciplinary community exploring AI through computer music, composition, live coding, and hands-on tinkering with synthesizers and instrument-making. Come listen, experiment, and connect in an informal setting. Drinks and snacks will be served.
TAIGA Days is a year event hosted by TAIGA, Umeå University’s Centre for Transdisciplinary AI. Our goal is to foster AI research and collaboration across disciplines and sectors for the benefit of society.
More details will be added to this event page as the program develops.
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Last date to register is November 12. Registration link
Frank Dignum is Professor of Socially-Aware AI at Umeå University and Director of TAIGA – the Centre for Transdisciplinary AI. Since 2019, he has held the Wallenberg Chair in Socially-Aware AI, leading research on computational models that capture social aspects such as norms, values, and conventions. His work contributes both to understanding societal responses to change and to developing AI applications like conversational agents for education and training. With a long international academic career and extensive publications, he is a recognized leader in the AI community and a EurAI fellow.
Eva Mårell-Olsson is Associate Professor at Umeå University and Co-director of TAIGA – the Centre for Transdisciplinary AI. She is a leading researcher in technology-supported learning and digital transformation in education, exploring how tools such as AR, VR, and AI can enhance teaching and learning across all levels. She coordinates projects on digital assessment, gamification, and immersive learning environments, collaborating closely with schools and organizations to drive educational innovation.
Ola Lindberg is a professor at the Department of Education at Umeå University. He is also affiliated with the Faculty Office of the Umeå School of Education. His expertise centers on education research, particularly professional learning and the interaction between education and work.
TAIGA S4S, or Students for Students, is a student-led group within the TAIGA environment that connects fellow students across disciplines, and organizes AI-related activities. For more information, contact filip.edstrom@umu.se