Cruise School on
Artificial Intelligence for Technological & Social Change

Are you passionate about using AI to drive sustainability and tackle key challenges in industry, healthcare, and government?

Join us for the fourth edition of the Freshmen PhD & Professionals Cruise School—a one-week, interdisciplinary winter school at sea that blends Artificial Intelligence, sustainability and strategic foresight across Engineering and the Social Sciences. Recognized for 7 ECTS (CFU).

WHERE?
The Gulf Region

United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Oman (Muscat), and Qatar (Doha).



WHEN?
30 January-6 February 2027


WHO?
PhD Students & Researchers
Professionals
Professors & Experts

WHY?
HOW?


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Event Overview

The Cruise School brings together doctoral candidates, researchers, academics, and industry professionals to explore AI as a driver of technological innovation and societal change.

Participants engage with core AI methodologies and strategic foresight frameworks within an interdisciplinary academic environment. Mixed teams develop applied projects addressing real-world challenges in logistics and ports, healthcare systems, and public policy.

Academic Structure

The curriculum combines advanced lectures, interactive seminars, applied laboratories, and collaborative studio-style teamwork.

Common Core: AI & Futures Studies

This foundational module integrates machine learning, data-driven reasoning, and futures methodologies. Participants will learn to:

  • Connect causal analysis with scenario design
  • Navigate ethical and governance dimensions of AI
  • Develop forward-looking strategic and policy frameworks

Thematic Modules

Engineering & Data-Driven Systems

Control and optimization, digital and cognitive twins, industrial AI, energy systems, and advanced data pipelines.

Social Sciences, Policy & Society

Causal inference, PLS-PM modeling, AI governance and regulation, socio-technical transformation, public-sector innovation, and ethics-by-design.

Interdisciplinary Studio Project

Participants work in mixed teams addressing applied challenges in:

  • Logistics and port systems
  • Healthcare and public health
  • Public policy and governance

Each team develops a structured project including problem framing, an AI-enabled solution concept, and a foresight-informed implementation roadmap.

The program concludes with a final academic showcase.

Who Should Attend?

  • PhD students and researchers seeking rigorous cross-disciplinary training
  • Professionals and managers applying AI to sustainability and organizational transformation
  • Academics interested in mentoring and building international collaborations
  • Applicants from STEM, social sciences, and the humanities are welcome.

Learning Outcomes Why Attend?

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Integrate AI methodologies with futures analysis
  • Design robust data-driven arguments for policy and management
  • Prototype AI-enabled solutions under real-world constraints
  • Address governance and ethical implications
  • Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams

Program Details

Format & Workload

The week blends core sessions, thematic breakouts, applied labs, and a studio project.

The total workload corresponds to 7 ECTS credits (subject to home institution regulations).

Assessment & Certification

Assessment is based on active participation, the team project deliverable, and a short individual reflection.

Participants who complete all requirements receive a Certificate of Participation. Documentation for ECTS/CFU recognition is provided upon request.

Funding & Eligibility

The school is open to European institutions participating in Erasmus+ mobility frameworks.

Participants are encouraged to consult their home institutions regarding funding procedures.

Software & Preparation

Participants must bring their own laptops.

No advanced prerequisites are required; analytical curiosity and interdisciplinary openness are essential.

Venue & Experience

Learning takes place on board a modern cruise vessel designed to balance academic rigor, professional networking, and cultural exploration.

The maritime setting provides a distinctive environment for examining AI applications in complex infrastructures and sustainability systems.


HOW?
Pre-registration is currently open

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