Deepfakes, Democracy, and Generative AI: Join us for the Final SOLARIS Meeting

16:31 23.01.2026 ~ 2 min read

The SOLARIS Project consortium is pleased to announce its Final Project Meeting, a two-day event dedicated to reflecting on the societal, political, and ethical challenges posed by deepfakes and generative AI, as well as exploring pathways for responsible, inclusive, and democratic AI governance. The meeting will take place on 26–27 January 2026 at Utrecht University and will bring together researchers, policymakers, journalists, and practitioners from across Europe. Everyone is welcome to join the event online after registering on this link.

“Brand Media Bulgaria”, publisher of the economic news website Economic.bg, is a part of the 12 members under the SOLARIS project and the sole representor of Bulgaria. Economic.bg is a media partner of the project.

Marking the culmination of three years of collaborative research under the SOLARIS project, the event provides a space for in-depth discussion on how synthetic media are reshaping public trust, political communication, education, health, journalism, and legal evidence. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and thematic sessions, participants will critically examine both the risks associated with deepfakes and the opportunities generative AI may offer for social good, inclusion, and civic engagement.

A keynote lecture by Professor Stephan Lewandowsky of University of Bristol will offer a high-level reflection on misinformation and public understanding. Further panels will explore the use of GenAI in research and education, as well as the transforming status of images in journalism, law, and public discourse in the age of synthetic media.

Who is this event for?

The event is designed for researchers, students, journalists, policymakers, and engaged citizens interested in the ethical, societal, and democratic implications of generative AI technologies. Members of the SOLARIS Consortium will be joined by a wide range of external experts from academia, media, civil society, and European institutions, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and exchange.