Dublin, Ireland, 28 May 2026 – The national AI literacy and public engagement initiative ‘#DiscussAI’, led by the Education and Public Engagement team at the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology at Dublin City University (DCU), has been named a finalist in the “Inclusion in the Digital World” category of the European Digital Skills Awards 2026.
The awards, organised by the European Commission, recognise outstanding projects that advance digital skills, innovation and inclusion. This year’s awards attracted 220 submissions from across Europe.
Launched in 2021, #DiscussAI brings together diverse communities and researchers to build AI literacy, learn from lived experience, and enable meaningful public dialogue on the societal impacts of AI. To date, the initiative has connected more than 85,000 participants and over 170 researchers nationwide.
Being shortlisted highlights #DiscussAI’s role as a leading example of inclusive digital skills development, particularly in reaching communities traditionally underserved by science and technology initiatives. Its approach is grounded in inclusion, co-creation (developing tailored programmes with rather than just for communities), and strong partnerships with education, community, and cultural organisations.
Flagship #DiscussAI programmes include: Age-Friendly AI (supporting older adults to build AI awareness and confidence); AI Literacy in the Classroom, supported by Google (providing professional development to help teachers embed AI literacy in education); AI in My Life (engaging teenagers in exploring AI, ethics, and digital privacy); Citizens’ think-ins (bringing together researchers and local communities through public forums on the societal impact of AI); and creative programmes such as Art or AI?, The Bigger Picture, and Beta Festival (inviting people of all ages to reflect on how AI is shaping arts and culture).
#DiscussAI highlights how public dialogue can enrich academic research, inform and support science policy, and foster a more inclusive digital future. Participants reported increased understanding of AI and its societal implications, greater confidence in discussing emerging technologies, and a stronger sense that their perspectives are heard and valued.
Researchers likewise highlighted the value of public engagement, consistently describing participant insights as relevant, inspiring, and useful for their work. These contributions have informed ADAPT research projects, helping to shape new research directions and enabling deeper societal collaboration.
The initiative has already been recognised at national policy level, being cited in Ireland’s National AI Strategy progress report and strategy refresh for advancing ‘AI and Society’ goals.
Looking Ahead: Next Phase of #DiscussAI
Commenting on the announcement, Laura Grehan, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact at the ADAPT Centre at Dublin City University, said:
“We are honoured to be named a finalist in the European Digital Skills Awards. This recognition reflects the value of connecting research with inclusive, co-designed public dialogue and learning to ensure AI development is informed by diverse perspectives, particularly those historically on the margins of technology innovation. As we look ahead to the next phase of #DiscussAI in 2027, we are seeking supporters and collaborators to help expand this work across Ireland and Europe, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping the future of AI.”
The five category winners of the European Digital Skills Awards 2026 will be announced during the Digital Skills EU Days public event on 30 June 2026 in Brussels.
