Invitation: International hybrid workshop on ethics and research integrity in AI research and research assessment, 6 April 2026
Francis P. Crawley
Dear Colleagues,
You are warmly invited to participate in the upcoming international hybrid workshop on ‘Ethics and research integrity in AI research and research assessment’ (also attached), hosted by Hafr Al-Batin University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this Monday 6 April 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Saudi Arabia time (7-9 am UTC; 9-11 am CEST Brussels). Registration.
This workshop brings together international and regional experts to address the rapidly evolving challenges associated with artificial intelligence, data intensive research, and the transformation of research assessment systems. It places particular emphasis on the need for responsible, transparent, and contextually grounded approaches to ethics and research integrity.
The workshop is organised in collaboration with the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment Working Group on ‘Ethics and Research Integrity Policy for Responsible Research Assessment in Data and Artificial Intelligence (CoARA-ERIP), and is aligned with the UNESCO-endorsed initiative under the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD 2024-2033): ‘Teaming for self-evaluation in research assessment across scales from researchers to institutions (SE4RA)’. It also connects with the objectives of the ‘Center for AI Capacity Building in Responsible Research, Responsible Assessment, and Responsible Publication in Science (CAI3R-science)’, as part of the ‘Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building (AICBC)’ supported by the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN-ODET).
In the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the workshop reflects the national framework for ethics and research integrity established by the Ministry of Education, which provides a harmonised system of governance across universities while enabling institutional adaptation. Particular attention is given to the integration of AI ethics into research and education, recognising 2026 as the Year of AI in the Kingdom and the growing importance of responsible AI governance, data integrity, transparency, and accountability. This includes a focus on aligning institutional practices with national frameworks while engaging with international standards and emerging AI governance and capacity-building infrastructures.
The programme includes contributions on international standards, national practices, and institutional implementation, alongside a panel discussion on strengthening regional cooperation, advancing self-assessment approaches, and exploring the establishment of a Middle East Research Assessment Forum (MERAF).
Attendance certificates will be provided in Arabic and English. Please feel free to share this invitation.
We apologize for the short notice. Nonetheless we hope you will be able to join us for this important discussion.
Kind regards,
Francis
Francis P. Crawley
Co-chair & Principal Investigator, EOSC-Future/RDA Artificial Intelligence & Data Visitation Working Group (AIDV-WG)
Leuven, Belgium
Telephone: +32 495 23 11 11 (also for WhatsApp)
E-mail: f...@gcpalliance.org
