Date: Wednesday, November 19
Day Programme: 12:30 to 16:45 CET (free lunch and fika included)
Evening Programme: 19:30 to 21:30 CET
Location: Galaxen and Rotundan, Universum, Umeå University (see location in mazemap)
Join us on Wednesday, November 19 for AI Policy Lab Day 2025 — an interactive afternoon showcasing the lab’s work on responsible AI and engaging participants in real, practical conversations. The event features highlights from the AIPL’s projects, a keynote on “Question Zero” in AI and a hands-on clinic where we invite your toughest AI policy questions.
Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, student, or practitioner, this is a space to learn, challenge ideas, and share insights across sectors.
Keynote speaker: Prof. Sennay Ghebreab (Amsterdam University)
Participation is free but registration is required for logistics and Zoom access:
➡️ Registration Form
🌐 Zoom participation is available for the keynote, talk and AI Policy Lab (AIPL) introduction.
Agenda
12.30 – Lunch & networking
13.00 – Welcome & AI Policy Lab presentation
Updates & insights from the Lab’s ongoing work by Virginia Dignum, Director of the AI Policy Lab
13.15 – Keynote: Prof. Sennay Ghebreab (University of Amsterdam)
Title:
Abstract:
Rethinking Question Zero in AI
Question Zero – the question of whether AI is the right answer to a problem – has become more prominent in discussions of Responsible AI. This is encouraging, since AI is often adopted as a quick fix, sometimes with harmful consequences for people and the environment. At the same time, there is a growing risk that organizations and governments may misuse Question Zero as a reason not to apply AI in cases where it benefits people and the environment. In this talk, I will explore cases from the Dutch context that highlight different ways of engaging with Question Zero and discuss why it is worth rethinking how we approach this question in AI.
14.30 – Poster Presentations
15:15 – Talk by Dan McQuillan
Title:
Abstract:
16.00 – AI Policy Café – Drop-in Clinic
Explore research from Lab members Topics: AI and human rights, healthcare, education, anti-capitalist perspectives, transparency & explainability
Decomputing
This talk will characterise contemporary AI as the broken product of an already-broken system. While AI sucks more of everything into its cycle of simulated solutions, it diverts us from the underlying structural and environmental crises. By focusing on energy as the conjunction of materiality and hype at the heart of the AI question, the talk will outline ‘decomputing’ as possible response to technocratic nihilism. Decomputing combines degrowth and conviviality into a policy for post-collapse liveability, where the cybernetic may still find a place in support of the common good.
Bring your real-world AI policy or ethics cases, questions, or dilemmas.
Our team will offer ideas, support, and resources in an open, informal format. Think: a cross between a helpdesk, repair café, and fika table. No preparation is needed.
16:45 – Wrap-Up
💬 Announcing the AI Policy Lab’s Drop-in Clinic:
A space to discuss real-life cases in AI policy and ethics.
Got an AI policy or ethics challenge or practical implementation questions? Our team will provide pointers, support, and fresh ideas to help you move forward.
Who this event is for: Policymakers, practitioners, researchers, students, or anyone facing AI-related challenges
What to bring: Any question, case, or challenge related to AI governance, ethics, or implementation
What you’ll get: Practical advice, connections to resources, and space to explore solutions together
🎬 Evening Program: Film Screening
Film Humans in the Loop
📍 Rotundan, Universum, Umeå University
🕗 19:30–21:30 | Wednesday, November 19
Close out AI Policy Lab Day with a special screening of the acclaimed independent documentary Humans in the Loop, a powerful portrait of a young data annotator navigating the rapidly shifting AI industry in India.
A groundbreaking 72-minute Hindi-Kurukh film follows Nehma, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand’s Oraon tribe who trains AI systems as a data labeller. Director Aranya Sahay (FTII) was inspired by journalist Karishma Mehrotra’s exposé, revealing how over 70,000 Indians—mostly rural women—form AI’s invisible workforce.
“A striking, human-centered view of AI from the ground up.”
The 72-minute film will be followed by a discussion on the hidden role of data workers in AI.
Snacks and warm drinks will be available!
Registration is required and places are limited.
We look forward to welcoming you to the AI Policy Lab Day at Umeå University!
AI Policy Lab 