Participation in the Excellence Program “The Use of AI and the Practical Implications of Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Ethical Principles” at Link University provided an important opportunity for training and in-depth study of one of the most significant transformations in contemporary society: Artificial Intelligence and its implications in various professional, institutional, and social contexts.

The distinctive feature of the program was its strongly multidisciplinary approach, which allowed participants to address the topic of Artificial Intelligence from complementary perspectives, integrating legal, technological, organizational, economic, and ethical expertise. This approach provided insight into how the development and use of AI systems require an integrated vision capable of balancing innovation with the protection of fundamental rights, personal data protection, and cybersecurity.

The program provided a broad overview of the applications of Artificial Intelligence across numerous sectors, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. During the sessions, participants explored the role of AI in public administration, data management in intelligent systems, prospects in the arts, its use in healthcare, applications in business and the banking sector, and the social implications arising from the use of new technologies. At the same time, significant attention was devoted to regulatory aspects, personal data protection, cybersecurity, and the ethical principles that must guide the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence.

One of the program’s key strengths was the balance between theoretical depth and hands-on experimentation. The workshops allowed students to apply the knowledge gained in class in practical ways, fostering teamwork, open discussion, and collaborative design. This approach enabled students to develop not only technical and methodological skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities—skills that are essential today for addressing the challenges of digital transformation.

As part of the workshop activities, a board game was designed and developed to analyze biases in artificial intelligence used in job search and recruitment processes. The project was a particularly meaningful experience, as it required translating complex concepts—such as algorithmic discrimination, fairness, transparency, accountability, and the impact of automated decisions—into an educational and outreach tool capable of stimulating discussion and critical reflection on the use of AI in the labor market.

The work carried out during the workshops was subsequently presented at the conference held in Mantua, titled “Beyond the Algorithm: AI from Theory to Practical Application.” The opportunity to share the results of the project in a setting that fostered dialogue with faculty, researchers, professionals, and institutional representatives provided an important platform for disseminating the activities carried out and highlighting the skills developed throughout the project.

The Path to Excellence has demonstrated that an educational model based on the integration of theory, practice, and a multidisciplinary approach is an effective tool for preparing students to tackle the challenges posed by the evolution of Artificial Intelligence. The experience has enabled students to acquire specialized knowledge, develop transferable skills, and cultivate a critical perspective on technological innovation, confirming the value of educational programs that foster dialogue among universities, research institutions, and the professional world.

Rachele Chiarillo

Law student, Roma Tre University