Organised and led by Jessica Elias, Florence Chee, Daniel Joseph, Adi Kuntsman

The School is organised by the Digital Policy Observatory: a new, visionary initiative, to address digital policy through critical, global and interdisciplinary lens. The Observatory is a partnership between CDEP (Center for Digital Ethics & Policy), Loyola University, Chicago and DISC (Digital Society Research Group), Manchester Metropolitan University.

The School takes place entirely online, on 9-12 June 2026. Attendance is free but registration is required.

Programme

All  times are in UK time zone, please  check your time zone conversion here.

Day 1: Tuesday 9 June

• 2-3 pm Welcome notes: Jessica Elias, Florence Chee, Daniel Joseph, Adi Kuntsman
• Keynote: “Policy at Play: Designing Critical AI Systems in Times of Polycrisis”, Florence Chee
• 3-4pm Discussion panel with André Brock, Florence Chee  and Todd Harple, chaired by Kyla Williams Tate

Day 2: Wednesday 10 June

• 1-2pm  Critical approach to AI policy:  Accountability. Presentations by Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellows
• 3-4pm  Critical approach to AI policy:  Dignity. Presentations by Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellows

Day 3: Thursday 11 June

• 2-3pm Critical approach to AI policy:  Sustainability, Equity, Trust. Presentations by Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellows
• 6pm A roundtable on Critical AI Literacies @Manchester Festival of Libraries. Taking place in hybrid format, in Chorlton, Manchester and online. Led by Jessica Elias, Adi Kuntsman and DISC AI Literacies Lab.

Day 4: Friday 12 June

• 1-2pm Engaging Policymakers in/through Creative Practice. Workshop led by Jessica Elias
• 2.30-3.30pm Concluding Event and launch of CDEP+DISC Virtual Policy Observatory