The second edition of the PICAIS Alumni Talks will take place on 29 October 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00 CET and will feature three distinguished former PICAIS fellows:
Dr. Tariq Daradkeh from Yarmouk University, Jordan, will present his work on “Human Digital Twins: Digital transformation using generative agentic AI for students class.” His research explores how AI-powered Human Digital Twins can model student behaviour and help identify weaknesses in learning outcomes. His PICAIS project focused on AI-enabled Digital Twins for IoT Management and Digitalisation.
Prof. Dr. Lorely French from Pacific University, USA, will present “Dreams, Hopes, and Utopias in Literature, Writings, Film, and Art by Roma and Sinti in Europe.” Her PICAIS project explored Romani literature, art and film, bringing together academic research, artistic perspectives and public engagement. Her talk will highlight the opportunities and challenges of connecting these fields.
Dr. Olena Melnykova-Kurhanova from Mariupol State University, Ukraine, will speak about “The key features of counter-propaganda in the frontline territory of Ukraine.” Her research examines how journalists in frontline areas respond to Russian propaganda and disinformation under the challenging conditions of war. Her PICAIS project focused on public communication in a city under attack and Russia’s informational influence on the citizens of Mariupol.
The PICAIS Alumni Talks are open to the public. Registration by email is required to receive the Zoom link: picais-office@uni-passau.de.
Further information on the three presentations can be found in the event flyer.
We look forward to welcoming our PICAIS alumni and interested researchers from our University for an inspiring afternoon of academic exchange and interdisciplinary perspectives!