Towards a Smart Future: Foundations of AI for the University Generation
Towards a Smart Future: Foundations of AI for the University Generation
"Towards a Smart Future: AI Basics for the University Generation" is a project aimed at guiding students at Università Cattolica in understanding the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a technology that is reshaping the very fabric of our societies, economies, and personal lives.
Organized by the university’s Humane Technology Lab and Teaching and Learning Lab, the project was offered to students during the 2024/2025 academic year. Its primary goal is to foster critical awareness of the ethical and social impacts associated with the widespread use of AI.
In line with the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2024–2026)—which calls for the integration of AI education across university degree programs—the project aims to make core concepts of AI accessible to students from all disciplines, while also equipping them with the most relevant skills for using today’s key AI tools. The initiative also responds to the appeal of the European Commission, which, in its communication “AI Continent Action Plan” (April 9, 2025), identifies the strengthening of AI skills and talent as one of five strategic areas to properly prepare the next generation of AI specialists across Europe.
Project Activities
Starting in A.Y. 2024/2025, this pioneering initiative has been structured around three interconnected activities designed to provide a holistic understanding of AI—from its technical foundations to its ethical and societal implications:
- Course: "AI: First Steps in the World of Artificial Intelligence", targeted at first-year Bachelor’s students at Università Cattolica's Milan campus. The course included two editions of 8 hours each, delivered across two training sessions.
- Course: "Curious Minds: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Multidisciplinary Students", open to all students at Università Cattolica, consisting of 24 total hours divided into six sessions.
- Conference Series: "CyberHorizons: Explorations of the Impact of the Digital World on Society and Professions". Comprising three events open to students, Alumni, and the general public, the series provided insights into the societal impact of AI. Through dialogue with industry experts, these conferences served as a platform to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, promoting a broader understanding of its long-term effects.
All project activities included the awarding of a digital certificate (Open Badge) to participants.
Planned Activities for A.Y. 2025/2026
The initiative continues into the 2025/2026 academic year with two updated activities, designed to develop hands-on skills in AI tools and encourage critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI. The courses maintain a multidisciplinary approach, helping students assess the impact of AI across various sectors.
- Course: "Artificial Intelligence: Do You Really Know It? Introduction to Understanding and Responsible Use of AI", offered in two identical 8-hour editions. Participation is voluntary and open to first-year students enrolled in Bachelor's and Single-Cycle degree programs at the Milan campus (in person) and the Brescia, Cremona, and Piacenza campuses (via live streaming).
- Course: "Toward Intelligent Use of Artificial Intelligence". This theoretical and practical in-depth AI course, organized by the Teaching and Learning Lab (TeLeLab) and the Humane Technology Lab (HTLab), is open to all Università Cattolica students for the A.Y. 2025/2026. Currently under development, the course will consist of 24 hours, offered optionally to students from Milan (in person) and Brescia, Piacenza-Cremona (via live streaming). Sessions will take place on Saturday mornings starting late October 2025.
At the end of the course, a digital Open Badge will be issued to all participants who attend at least two-thirds of the total activities.
