The University of Naples Federico II will host a multidisciplinary conference titled “Artificial Intelligence: From Technology to Rights” on Friday, October 16, 2026. Held at the Arcoleo Lecture Hall at Corso Umberto I, 40, the event aims to bridge the gap between legal scholars and engineers to address the governance of artificial intelligence.
Integrating Law and Engineering for AI Governance
The conference originates from a collaboration between Giovanna De Minico, a constitutional scholar, and Carlo Sansone, an engineer. According to the university, the initiative operates on the premise that artificial intelligence cannot be effectively regulated from a single perspective. Law provides the framework for defending fundamental rights, while engineering ensures that regulatory rules remain grounded in the technical reality of algorithmic systems.
The organizers argue that innovation should not prioritize rights over technology, nor should it be subservient to them. Instead, they advocate for a design process that incorporates legal and ethical considerations from the initial development phase.
Conference Agenda and Expert Speakers
Proceedings begin at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks from university leadership, including Vice Rector Nicola Bianco and Helle Krunke, President Emerita of the International Association of Constitutional Law.
The morning session, “Constitutional Europe and Artificial Intelligence,” will be chaired by Francisco Balaguer Callejón of the University of Granada. Keynote speakers include Christopher S. Yoo from the University of Pennsylvania and Giovanna De Minico. The afternoon session, “Constitutional Europe and Neuro-Rights,” will be chaired by De Minico and feature a keynote address by Roberto Andorno of the University of Zurich.
The event is supported by the Jean Monnet Gender-Inclusive Fair Transformation (GIFT) program and a contribution from Graded Spa. Radio Radicale will broadcast the proceedings, and remote participation will be available via a link.
University Introduces Scholarships for Doctoral Dissertations
During the conference, the university will introduce a new research program dedicated to awarding scholarships for doctoral dissertations. These awards will focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the protection of fundamental rights, spanning both STEM and humanities and social sciences disciplines.
Who Can Join the Doctoral Scholarship Program?
Who is eligible to participate in the doctoral scholarship program?
The scholarship program is open to doctoral candidates conducting research on artificial intelligence and the protection of fundamental rights. The program encompasses work within both the STEM and Humanities and Social Sciences fields.
How can those unable to attend in person follow the event?
The conference will be broadcast by Radio Radicale. Remote access is also available through a dedicated link.
What is the objective of the alliance between the Departments of Law and Engineering?
The collaboration seeks to create a dialogue where technical choices—often perceived as neutral—are aligned with the legal defense of rights. This approach aims to ensure that rules for AI are both legally sound and technically feasible.