ADAPT’s #DiscussAI public engagement campaign has been recognised by the European Commission as a best practice in science engagement. #DiscussAI features in the Commission’s recently published Success Stories from the Research Management Community: A catalog of best practices and achievements, which aims to showcase the value of research management and administration to the European research ecosystem.
The Background to #DiscussAI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings both exciting opportunities and complex challenges, especially in how we access, interpret, and share information. As AI systems increasingly shape the media we consume, media literacy in the age of AI has become essential, but public understanding lags behind AI’s growing influence.
Ireland’s national AI strategy, AI – Here for Good, calls for meaningful citizen involvement in AI development and use. However, many people, particularly in underserved or marginalised communities, remain excluded from these conversations.
To address this gap, the Education and Public Engagement team at the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre launched #DiscussAI in September 2021.
This national conversation on AI builds AI literacy, giving people across Ireland the knowledge and skills to critically engage with AI-driven systems.
Aims
#DiscussAI engages diverse audiences through community-based AI literacy programmes and public forums designed to:
Help people learn about AI and develop core media literacy skills in the context of AI
Enable the public to contribute to a national dialogue on social impacts of AI
Key Initiatives
#DiscussAI’s programmes foster critical, inclusive engagement with AI and its role in shaping media. Notable initiatives include:
Results Delivered
Evaluation of the #DiscussAI programme shows clear benefits for participants, who reported:
All participating researchers agreed that the insights from public participants were “relevant”, “inspiring”, “valuable” and “useful” for their research. These insights helped shape multiple ADAPT research projects and funding proposals, leading to new areas of research and societal collaboration.
Policy impact has been equally significant. #DiscussAI was cited in the Progress Report and 2024 Refresh of Ireland’s national AI strategy AI – Here for Good as being an important contributor to the strategy’s AI and Society goals.
#DiscussAI also helped inform the Government-backed Creating Our Future report, influencing the designation of Safeguarding Public Interest and Trust in the Digital World as a national research priority.
ADAPT has disseminated learnings from #DiscussAI at European science communication conferences. Multiple other research bodies have adopted its resources and formats.
Through its focus on inclusive dialogue and accessible education, #DiscussAI is advancing AI and media literacy across Ireland. It is fostering a scientifically informed and empowered public, promoting the democratisation of technological innovation, and shaping a research culture that is responsive to societal needs.
Key Achievements
“ADAPT’s education and public engagement team is delighted with the European Commission’s recognition of #DiscussAI as a best practice example of science engagement and the value of professional research management to the European research ecosystem. What makes ADAPT’s #DiscussAI campaign unique and innovative is its integration of inclusive public dialogue with leading AI research, ensuring that ordinary people, not just experts, have a voice in shaping how AI affects their lives. #DiscussAI is a collaborative national effort, built on partnerships with organisations across education, community development, ageing, disability, and the arts and cultural sectors. These partners have been central in identifying priority audiences, shaping content, and ensuring inclusive, accessible engagement. This partnership-first model is key to reaching communities often excluded from science and policy conversations and ensuring that diverse voices shape our shared digital futures.”
“ADAPT’s education and public engagement team is delighted with the European Commission’s recognition of #DiscussAI as a best practice example of science engagement and the value of professional research management to the European research ecosystem.
What makes ADAPT’s #DiscussAI campaign unique and innovative is its integration of inclusive public dialogue with leading AI research, ensuring that ordinary people, not just experts, have a voice in shaping how AI affects their lives.
#DiscussAI is a collaborative national effort, built on partnerships with organisations across education, community development, ageing, disability, and the arts and cultural sectors. These partners have been central in identifying priority audiences, shaping content, and ensuring inclusive, accessible engagement. This partnership-first model is key to reaching communities often excluded from science and policy conversations and ensuring that diverse voices shape our shared digital futures.”
For more on #DiscussAI, see the campaign report (pdf) or visit our #DiscussAI web page.
