On 22-25 June 2026, the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH) of the European Parliament held its sixth Summer School for young science journalists and content creators in Brussels, following a call for application published earlier this year.
The 2026 ESMH Summer School focused on science communication in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). It explored the transformative role of AI in journalism and newsrooms, and how to harness its potential for science communication while preserving journalistic integrity, editorial accuracy, and critical thinking. Participants also learnt the main principles of responsible reporting on AI.
Day 1 – Monday, 22 June 2026 (SPAAK)
15:30-16:00 Welcome coffee
16:00-17:30 Opening session – Panel discussion “The future of (science) journalism: AI, trust, and democracy”
🎞️ Recording 🎥
The profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism forces us to rethink its role, what it can achieve, and the relationship between journalist and audience. The panel discussed how AI is transforming journalism – from automated content generation to data-driven storytelling – and the ethical questions it raises, such as bias, accountability, and the spread of misinformation. This opening session explored the long-term consequences of AI on media consumption, public trust, and democracy. The discussion addressed the challenge of effectively leveraging AI in (science) journalism while preserving journalistic integrity and creativity, and the crucial role of critical thinking and human judgment in an AI-driven media ecosystem.
Opening remarks by STOA Chair, MEP Christian Ehler
Panel discussion:
- Dr. Bahareh Heravi, Associate Professor of AI & Media, University of Surrey and BRAID Fellow, BBC
- Prof. Antonis Kalogeropoulos, Associate Professor in Political Communication, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Research Associate, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
- Pampa Garcia Molina, Coordinator of the Science Media Centre Spain
- Teresa Firmino, Science Editor at Público Portugal
Moderation: Dr. Hannes Cools, Assistant Professor in ‘Human Factor in New Technologies’, University of Amsterdam
17:30-19:00 Networking cocktail
Day 2 & 3 – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 & Wednesday, 24 June 2026 (ZWEIG)
09:00-09:30 Morning coffee
09:30-12:30 Workshop I – Responsible reporting on AI
➡️ Svea Eckert, Tech-Journalist NDR/ARD Mercator Fellow 26
Research shows that coverage of artificial intelligence is frequently hype-driven, oscillating between uncritical enthusiasm and existential alarm. This has consequences for how the public and policymakers assess and respond to the technology. Journalists must therefore be able to look behind the headlines, cut through the noise, and help audiences understand what AI actually means for their lives. This workshop introduced the key principles of responsible reporting on AI, including algorithmic accountability and accessible storytelling, and explored techniques to uncover the deeper narratives behind AI coverage. The workshop equipped participants with the right tools to cut through AI hype and deliver nuanced, critical, and human-centred stories for responsible AI journalism.
09:30-12:30 Workshop II – AI in journalism and newsrooms
➡️ Jyri Kivimäki, Executive Producer & Editorial AI, Yle
This workshop focused on how AI is being used and implemented in newsrooms, and its transformative role in journalism and production workflows. Through hands-on exercises, participants learnt how to use AI-tools to support their daily work, while maintaining editorial accuracy and journalistic integrity. The workshop explored three high impact use cases for AI in journalistic workflows: AI powered newsgathering and verification; automated content production and versioning; AI assisted coding for interactive and explanatory journalism (eg. to create data visualisations or calculators). The workshop also addressed the limitations of AI, its ethical use and the main principles of responsible AI.
12:30-14:00 Lunch break
14:00-17:00 Workshop III – Science communication with AI
➡️ Mirko Bischofberger, Science Studios
This hands-on workshop explored the dynamic intersection of AI and Science Communication, highlighting how AI is challenging the way we share and understand scientific knowledge. Participants dived into the latest AI advancements, from groundbreaking models such as LLMs and diffusion-based models, to other transformative applications in communication and creativity. The workshop also taught the current state of prompting theory, equipping attendees with essential techniques, tools and practical tips. Through hands-on exercises in text and image creation, participants picked up new skills to elevate their science communication.
14:00-17:00 Workshop IV – Storytelling for science news
➡️ Jeremy Wilks, Science Correspondent, Euronews
In today’s increasingly crowded and polarised information space, science communication acts as a bridge between research and public understanding, translating complex findings into accessible and trustworthy stories. This workshop aimed to equip participants with practical tools to amplify the impact of their science stories. It explored how to identify compelling story angles on complex topics that resonate with general audiences. Participants also learnt how to tell the same story effectively across different media formats, and build instincts that drive clarity, credibility, and impact in science journalism.
Day 4 – Thursday, 25 June 2026 (Info Hub)
10:00-11:30 Closing session – Panel discussion “EU regulation on AI: implications for the media, journalism, and disinformation”
🎞️ Recording 🎥
The EU’s AI Act and Digital Services Act will reshape how newsrooms source, produce and distribute content. While the rules aim to protect citizens from harmful AI generated content, they also raise operational, legal and ethical challenges for media organisations. The panel examined the impact of these regulations on journalism, the fight against disinformation, freedom of expression and media pluralism.
Opening remarks by STOA Vice-Chair, MEP Lina Gálvez
Panel discussion:
- Lidia Dutkiewicz, Legal and Policy Officer, DG CONNECT, European Commission
- Chris Stokel-Walker, Journalist and Author of ‘How AI Ate the World’
- Dr. Theresa Josephine Seipp, Postdoctoral Researcher at the AI, Media & Democracy Lab and the Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam
Moderation: Chris Coakley, Strategic Communications Adviser, European Parliament
11:30-12:30 Visit of the European Parliament’s hemicycle