The 28th Early Fall School of Semiotics

XXVIII EFSS’ 2024: THE CULTURAL EXPLOSION OF AI Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Society, and Culture from a Semiotic and Interdisciplinary Perspective

9-12 SEPTEMBER, 2024

SOZOPOL, BULGARIA

The Southeast European Centre for Semiotic Studies and the New Bulgarian University invites you to take part in the 28^th Early Fall School of Semiotics, to be held under the framework of WP3 of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA2), and with the support of the STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND of New Bulgarian University.

The XXVIII edition of the European Forum for Semiotic Studies (EFSS) is themed “The Cultural Explosion of AI: Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Society, and Culture from a Semiotic and Interdisciplinary Perspective.” This year’s event will take place from 9^th to the 12^th September 2024 in Sozopol, Bulgaria.

The rise of AI is a pivotal societal challenge driving the second phase of the ERUA. Its exponential impact since the project’s inception has marked it as a leading socio-cultural transformation, affecting all thematic priorities of the Alliance. The influence of AI presents both opportunities and threats to European values. It can enhance innovation, inclusiveness, and creativity but also propagate fake news, cyber-attacks, and social manipulation.

The EFSS is organized by the NBU yearly since 1995 and it has always been a platform for innovative forms of scholarly exchange and teaching, bringing together leading scholars, early career researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. This XXVIII edition will consist of:

1. A scientific part, organized around both invited experts in the field of AI (mostly with semiotic orientation) and an interdisciplinary call for papers.
2. A workshop on Transforming social entrepreneurship in the AI era – research and educational aspects (WP6, see separate call)
3. Student-centred workshops, experimenting with innovative forms of bottom-up, participatory processes of co-creation.

As part of the scientific conference, we are announcing a call for papers that invites researchers from ERUA partner universities to submit papers on topics including, but not limited to:

• AI in research and education innovation.
• AI research as a bridge between STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
• AI for Smarter Green Transition.
• AI for neutralizing hate speech and social polarization.
• Critical thought and AI.
• Socio-cultural consequences of AI’s advent.
• AI for a new level of creativity in the arts and design.
• AI in creative practices in marketing and advertising.
• Cultural-economic implications of AI.
• AI in pop culture.
• AI in videogames and XR.

Selected papers will be published in the journal Digital Age in Semiotics and Communication (ISSN, DOI, CEEOL).

We would like to point out that participation in the EFSS does not require a submission of a paper. You can register to participate following the instructions below.

Registration Details:

• Program Dates: 9^th to 12 of September, 2024
• Location: Sozopol, Bulgaria
• How to Apply: Interested candidates should fill out the REGISTRATION FORM no later than the 31 July 2024.

For more information, confirmed plenary speakers and details on the planed workshops please visit the following link!