An international team of researchers, including scholars from Leiden University, has received a Seed Funding Grant within the Una Europa network. The project, Democracy and AI, focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on the functioning of democratic systems.
The project is jointly led by Tom Louwerse (Leiden University) and Stefan Müller (University College Dublin) and brings together researchers from six Una Europa universities. From Leiden, Matthew di Giuseppe, Francesco Ragazzi and Babak Rezaeedaryakenari are also involved in the project.
Opportunities and risks of AI for democracy
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly prominent role in political communication and governance. While AI technologies have the potential to strengthen democracy - for example by improving access to information and enhancing participation - they also pose significant risks, including the spread of disinformation, algorithmic bias and the manipulation of electoral processes. The project examines how these opportunities and risks can be systematically assessed.
"I look forward to exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the functioning of democracy with this team of researchers," says Louwerse. "This project brings together researchers from six Una Europa universities, allowing us to build a strong research network in this field."
Focus on network building and future projects
This is explicitly not a traditional research project. Instead, the focus is on building an interdisciplinary network, with the aim of developing a shared analytical framework, sharing training opportunities (including for PhD candidates), and preparing future joint research proposals. Key activities include an interdisciplinary research workshop, a grant development workshop, and a virtual training programme on AI for research.
About the Una Europa Seed Funding Grants
The project runs from January to December 2026. The Seed Funding Grants are designed to stimulate collaboration within Una Europa and to lay the groundwork for larger international research initiatives. Within this university alliance, the grants support small-scale, exploratory projects that bring together researchers from different disciplines and countries and prepare them for future joint funding applications.
