On May 15, 2026, Carpathian National University hosted the international scientific event “Rethinking Research Evaluation: Well-being, AI & Fairness” within the framework of the EDUC-WIDE project (EmpoWering EDUC for Inclusive Development of the ERA).

The event focused on the future of research assessment systems, researcher well-being, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in academia.

The event brought together researchers, academic staff, early-career scientists, PhD candidates, and members of the academic community to discuss what a modern, fair, and human-centered research evaluation system should look like.

 Ester Cois, Professor at the University of Cagliari, delivered the lecture “Researcher Well-being and Fair Evaluation”, focusing on how evaluation systems influence researchers’ professional well-being, as well as on issues of inclusiveness, collective success, and rethinking academic excellence.

 Luciano Colombo, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Cagliari, presented “AI and the Future of Responsible Research Evaluation”, sharing his vision of the role of artificial intelligence in the future of research assessment and emphasizing that AI should serve as a tool to support expert judgment rather than replace it.

Following the expert lectures, participants engaged in Q&A sessions, lively discussions, and an interactive workshop titled “Redesign the Perfect Evaluation System”, where teams developed their own models of fair university evaluation based on the principles of responsible research assessment.

The event marked an important step in implementing the EDUC Strategy for Reforming Research Assessment and fostering a new academic culture in which research evaluation is based not only on metrics, but also on values such as integrity, inclusiveness, collaboration, and societal impact.

We sincerely thank the speakers, participants, and international partners for inspiring discussions, new ideas, and joint efforts toward shaping the future of research.