From 22 to 25 June 2026, the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH) of the European Parliament hosted its sixth Summer School for young science journalists and content creators in Brussels.
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.
Opening session: ‘The future of (science) journalism: AI, trust, and democracy’
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.
Closing session: ‘EU regulation on AI: implications for the media, journalism, and disinformation’
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.
Useful links:
• Programme 2026 ESMH Summer School
• Article and interviews with workshop leaders