Making research more inclusive from the start

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes everyday life, the way research is conducted becomes just as important as the technologies themselves. Research practices influence whose perspectives are represented, who is excluded, and where unintended harm may arise. Addressing these questions early is essential for building AI systems that are not only innovative, but also trustworthy and socially responsible.

In her talk A Short Introduction to Inclusive Research Practices, Giulia Barbareschi offers a concise and practical introduction to inclusive approaches in AI and HCI research. She focuses on how the lived experiences of people with disabilities and other marginalised groups can be meaningfully integrated into research processes - from problem framing and data collection to study design and evaluation.

Drawing on concrete examples, Barbareschi highlights common sources of exclusion that often remain unnoticed, yet directly affect research quality and validity. She argues that inclusivity is not only an ethical imperative, but a key factor for robust and reliable scientific outcomes. The talk also provides actionable guidance, including participatory methods, flexible study designs, and reflective research practices that can be adopted without fundamentally reshaping existing research agendas.

Since 2025, Giulia Barbareschi has been Professor at the RC Trust, where she leads the Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement group, alongside her professorship at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Her interdisciplinary work sits at the intersection of human–computer interaction, inclusive design, and social development, with a strong focus on collaboration with diverse communities to develop scalable and equitable technological solutions.

Event details

The lecture takes place on 21 January 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, at TU Dortmund University, SRG I, Friedrich Wöhler Weg 6, Room 2.029.
Participation is possible online via Zoom:
https://tu-dortmund.zoom.us/j/92778021899?pwd=2vaypkWoqfdEbw1xIkTSQkysQi2Ru2.1
Meeting-ID: 927 7802 1899
Code: 793838

AI Colloquium
The AI Colloquium is a series of lectures dedicated to cutting-edge research in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, coorganized by the Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security (RC Trust), the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (Lamarr Institute), and the Center for Data Science & Simulation at TU Dortmund University (DoDas).

Graduate School
The event is also part of the Graduate School programme. The Graduate School offers early opportunities for independent research, close supervision, and access to a strong interdisciplinary and international network. With flexible structures and individual guidance, it provides an inspiring environment for developing original research directions across disciplines.