Spark-AI

30/09/2026

Meet Professor Fady Mohareb – another member behind Spark-AI 🧬🤖

With over 20 years of expertise bridging AI, machine learning, and data-driven life sciences at the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), Prof. Mohareb has secured over €7 million in research funding for pioneering European and international initiatives.

His work goes far beyond theory, translating complex algorithmic models into real-world applications across genomics, precision nutrition, and food safety. From developing real-time monitoring systems using spectroscopy and blockchain to deploying multi-sensor integration for predictive modeling, his research is reshaping how we solve critical challenges in the life sciences.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the brilliant minds shaping the future of our AI-driven research!

UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino

09/09/2026

Meet the fourth member of our research team Dominik Stojak, Assistant at UITM.

As an Assistant in the Department of Media and Social Communication, his research explores how digital environments shape language, identity, and social perceptions - including the ways AI can reproduce existing biases.

His work covers topics such as toxic language in online gaming, gender and s*x bias in generative AI, and gender perspectives in career development, with a strong focus on the relationship between technology, communication, and society.

UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας

28/08/2026

In part three of our team spotlight series, we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Gabriela Piechnik-Czyż, Vice-Dean of Digital Marketing at UITM.

With a PhD in Social Communication and Media, her expertise connects the science of visual perception with the way people understand, experience, and respond to digital content, including infographics, 2D graphic design, brand design, and photography.

Her recent academic work explores how audiences process visual data, psychophysiology of vision, neuromarketing, and the evolving role of generative AI - including her recent critical insights on visual bias and homogenization in AI-generated imagery.

18/08/2026

In our second spotlight, we are proud to introduce Dr. Mikołaj Birek, Vice-Dean of Graphic Design at UITM.

A digital artist, researcher, and academic bridging the gap between traditional fine arts and technology, Dr. Birek explores how generative AI impacts visual culture and societal representation. From award-winning 2D animations to serving on the Scientific Council of the Polish Animation Research Group, his work explores the boundaries of creative expression.

His recent academic work - such as examining bias reproduction, visual homogenization, and social representations (like disability and migration) in AI-generated imagery directly informs how we study the societal impacts of these technologies.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the brilliant minds behind Spark-AI!



UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας

13/08/2026

Are universities truly ready for the AI revolution in creative industries?

Generative AI is completely reshaping the landscape for young communicators and media professionals. But how do students feel about it?

From the pressure to master new tech to the very real risks of deepfakes and media manipulation, dr Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała's latest study, conducted as part of a collaboration, dives into the minds of Central European university students.

Curious about how tomorrow's media experts are navigating the AI era and what universities need to do to catch up?

👉https://doi.org/10.34135/mlar-26-01-14👈



UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie

03/08/2026

Meet a member of the Spark-AI team: Dr. Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała 🚀

As we dive into the Spark-AI project, we believe the heart of true innovation lies in the people driving it. Today, we are kicking off our Meet the Team series by introducing one of our experts: Dr. Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała, Dean of the Faculty of Media and Social Communication at UITM.

With a rich academic journey spanning political science, cultural studies, and journalism, Dr. Leonowicz-Bukała brings a rare, deeply human perspective. Her research primarily focuses on the intersection of digital communication, social media, and migration studies.

💡 Why does her expertise matter to Spark-AI?

Extensive experience researching social media algorithms and digital ecosystems, supported by empirical studies of contemporary media dynamics and migrant representation.

The ability to connect data-driven research with the social sciences, including research on gender, health, migration, mediatization, and changes in ethnic media.

A strong commitment to supporting the next generation of communicators as a tutor, academic supervisor, and coordinator of student research clubs.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the brilliant minds shaping the future of AI with us!

Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας

28/07/2026

🌍✨ Shaping the Future of Writing Pedagogy in Sweden!

Our team members from the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (UITM) recently headed to Mälardalen University in Västerås, Sweden, for the international conference "AI in Writing Pedagogy: Shaping Instruction in a Changing Landscape"!💡

As part of the SUNRISE European Universities Alliance and the Scientists on the Move program, our researchers Dr. Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała and Dr. Mikołaj Birek led an engaging, peer-reviewed 2-hour workshop:

👉 "Hands-on Visual AI: Teaching Bias and Critical AI Literacy in Writing Classrooms"

Instead of looking at generative AI merely as a productivity shortcut, scholars and educators from over a dozen countries explored it as an object of critical inquiry. Together, they tackled:

Prompt design & comparative analysis of AI-generated visuals.

Reflective writing tasks uncovering how models reproduce (and amplify!) social biases and stereotypes.

Ready-to-adapt classroom frameworks for critical AI literacy.

Drawing on the Digital Experiments Lab's original research (including studies on disability representation in AI and digital experiment methodologies), this event highlighted a core takeaway: Pedagogy must teach us not just how to use AI, but how to understand it critically. 🧠💬

UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

The Digital Experiments Lab, representing the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (UITM), participated in the 7th Mediatization Conference (Lublin, March 2026), an international event focused on the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary communication.

During the conference, the team presented research addressing key areas such as generative AI in media production, algorithmic influence on perception and communication, and challenges related to authorship, credibility, and misinformation in AI-generated content. Additional topics included AI-driven advertising, digital consumer behavior, and the ethical implications of human–machine interaction.

The event created a space for interdisciplinary exchange and discussion on the concept of “AI-zation,” highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping contemporary media ecosystems.

Participation in the conference supports the ongoing research objectives of the SPARK project in the field of AI-mediated communication.

UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

16/03/2026

🇵🇱 We are pleased to introduce one of the partners of the SPARK-AI project – WYŻSZA SZKOŁA INFORMATYKI I ZARZĄDZANIA Z SIEDZIBĄ W RZESZOWIE (University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów – UITM).

Founded in 1996, UITM is one of Poland’s leading non-public higher education institutions, recognised for its strong orientation toward information technology, management, and applied digital sciences. The university actively participates in international research and education initiatives and has extensive experience in European cooperation projects.

Within the SPARK-AI project, UITM contributes its expertise in digital transformation, research development, and innovation in higher education, supporting the creation of AI-powered tools and training programmes designed to help early-career researchers effectively integrate AI into their research workflows.

🔗 Learn more: https://en.uitm.edu.eu

UTC - Université de Technologie de Compiègne UNICAM - Universita' degli Studi di Camerino