DataScientia will host its 2026 annual workshop at Durban University of Technology in Durban, bringing together partner universities from across Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America, along with new collaborators from Africa.
DataScientia aims to become a citizen science community of practice devoted to person-centric general AI (PCAGI). Rather than treating individuals as passive data sources, we focus on empowering people with tools and technologies to understand, manage, and use their data—supporting the development of AI systems that are transparent, inclusive, and beneficial to society.
Event Overview
The DataScientia Meeting 2026, to be hosted in South Africa at Durban University of Technology (DUT), will take place from 22 to 24 July 2026, followed by a dedicated day of social and networking activities on 25 July. The event marks a significant step in advancing a global dialogue on Sovereign AI; an approach to artificial intelligence that respects cultural diversity, local knowledge, and data autonomy across regions and communities.
Bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations, the meeting is designed as a multi-day collaborative platform combining scientific exchange, policy dialogue, and strategic co-creation. Participants will engage in a dynamic program of talks, workshops, and discussions aimed at shaping the future of inclusive and culturally aware AI systems.
The event will open with an Opening Ceremony at DUT, setting the stage for three thematic days:
Day 1 (22 July) – Pluriversal AI
This day focuses on the state of the art in Pluriversal Sovereign AI at a global level, exploring advances across domains such as health, language, culture, and society. Talks will present cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approaches to building AI systems that serve diverse populations. The day will conclude with a panel discussion, bringing together key voices to reflect on challenges, opportunities, and future directions.
Day 2 (23 July) – Pluriversal Sovereign AI for Africa (Policy & Regional Perspectives)
Building on the scientific foundations of Day 1, this workshop shifts toward policy, governance, and regional implementation, with a particular focus on South Africa and the broader African landscape. Speakers will include representatives from governments, academia, and international bodies such as the European Commission, offering insights into current initiatives and strategic priorities. The session will conclude with a multi-stakeholder panel discussion addressing pathways toward African leadership in Pluriversal Sovereign AI.
Day 3 (24 July) – The DataScientia Initiative (Collaboration & Action)
The final day is dedicated to the DataScientia Initiative, focusing on its core pillars: information, education, research, innovation and community building. Through interactive workshops, participants will actively contribute to shaping ongoing and future activities, fostering partnerships, and defining concrete actions for collaboration at both regional and global levels.
24 July 2026 – Social Dinner
A social gathering for all participants (venue to be confirmed), fostering informal exchange and strengthening partnerships.
25 July 2026 – Cultural Experience Tours
A dedicated cultural and networking experience, offering participants the opportunity to explore the natural environment of South Africa together. Please refer to the travel & tours section for more information about available options and activities.
Focus of the 2026 Edition
Co-creation of a Manifesto on Pluriversal Sovereign AI
A central outcome of the event will be the co-creation of a Manifesto on Pluriversal Sovereign AI, developed through structured contributions from leading researchers, senior policymakers, institutional representatives, and international partners. The manifesto is conceived not as a declarative statement, but as an evidence-informed and action-oriented framework, grounded in the discussions and outputs of the meeting.
Its development will draw on the three core pillars of the program: the scientific evidence presented during Day 1, capturing the state of the art and key research challenges; the policy and governance perspectives of Day 2, reflecting regulatory approaches, public sector priorities, and international cooperation efforts, including contributions from institutions such as the European Commission and African governmental bodies; and the implementation-oriented work of Day 3, translating these insights into operational priorities across capacity building, data governance, education, and innovation.
To ensure continuity and impact beyond the event, the manifesto will be accompanied by concrete follow-up mechanisms, including the establishment of thematic working groups, the identification of pilot initiatives and joint projects, and its integration into the ongoing activities of the DataScientia Initiative across research, education, and innovation. In this sense, the meeting is designed not only as a forum for exchange, but as a mechanism for coordination and alignment, inviting participants to actively contribute to shaping both the conceptual foundations and the practical trajectory of Sovereign AI in Africa and globally.
Program Details
Please note that linked below is the tentative version of the program.
Practical information
Event Location
The event will take place at the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in Durban, South Africa.
Address: 7, Ritson road, Musgrave, Berea 4001, Durban, South Africa
Dates
22-25 July 2026
Format
hybrid ( In-person & Online )
Participation Cost
Participation to the event is free of charge.
✦ How to Join Online?
Online Meeting Link: Meeting link will be published on this page right before the event and will also be shared through email with event participant.
✦ Registration (for physical attendees):
✦ Accommodation Options:
✦ Additional Information:
About the host institution
The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a forward-looking academic faculty dedicated to excellence in accounting, information technology, and business informatics education.
The faculty offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world application. Key disciplines include accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, and computer science, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and data-driven innovation.
Through close collaboration with industry partners and a commitment to applied research, the faculty contributes to addressing regional and global challenges—particularly in areas such as data analytics, information management, and emerging technologies.
As part of DUT’s mission, the faculty promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, making it an ideal host for international initiatives such as the DataScientia Event 2026, which aligns with its focus on advancing data science, artificial intelligence, and global collaboration.
Discover Durban – Why Attend in Person?
“I believe that South Africa is the most beautiful place on earth…” — Nelson Mandela
South Africa’s beauty is unmatched, from magnificent mountains to amazing coastlines, vibrant communities, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Durban offer stunning sandy beaches perfect for year-round swimming and surfing, lush parks like the renowned Durban Botanic Gardens, and a welcoming atmosphere.
For an immersive local experience, Kimburi Tours offers half-day city tours, full-day adventures, and multi-day trips exploring the KwaZulu-Natal region’s wildlife and culture.
Organising Committee
Fausto Giunchiglia
DataScientia Coordinator
Programme / International Engagement Co-Chair
University of Trento, Italy
Prof. Sunday Ojo
Programme / International Engagement Co-Chair
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
ALI HAMZA
DataScientia Event Coordinator
Programme Co-Chair
University of Trento, Italy
Prof. Oludayo Olugbara
Organizing Committee Chair
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Dr. Oyeniyi Alimi
Academic Event Co-ordinator
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Dr. Robyn Thompson
Cultural Experiences Co-ordinator
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Ugeshni Moodley
Facilities and Technical Co-ordinator
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Lindelweyizizwe Manqele
DataScientia Web content Generation & Dissemination
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Dr. Mayukh Bagchi
DataScientia Web content Generation & Dissemination
University of Trento, Italy
Sisekelo Mtshali
Finance Co-ordinator
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Freedom Khubisa
DUT DataScientia Living Lab Co-ordinator
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Lin Wu (Frank)
DUT CI - International Liaison
Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa
Event Sponsors
Disclaimer
- We strongly advise participants to personally check entry and visa requirements before making travel arrangements, as there might be country-specific conditions you are not aware of. Please contact the South African embassy/consulate in your home country for the most accurate information.
- DataScientia will NOT issue any Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Guarantee if required by immigration authorities.
- DataScientia will not refund participants for cancellations due to visa rejections or inability to enter South Africa.
- DataScientia cannot influence the decision of the South African embassy/consulate or appeal on behalf of applicants.
- No liability is accepted for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided.