UCD-co-led research into AI’s influence on democracy awarded seed funding
23 January 2026
A project co-led by (opens in a new window)Dr Stefan Müller from the UCD School of Politics and International Relations has received a seed funding grant within the Una Europa network.
Titled Democracy and AI, the project focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on the functioning of democratic systems.
The project is jointly co-led by Dr Müller and Dr Tom Louwerse from Leiden University in the Netherlands. It also brings together researchers from KU Leuven, the University of Zurich, the University of Edinburgh and the Free University of Berlin.
As generative AI plays an increasingly prominent role in political communication and governance, the researchers believe there is an “urgent need” to understand its implications for democratic systems.
AI technologies have the potential to strengthen democracy by improving access to information, enhancing participation, and supporting transparency and accountability, but they also pose significant risks. These include the spread of disinformation, algorithmic bias, and the manipulation of electoral processes.
“AI technologies have become central to how we communicate and make collective decisions. Understanding their impact on democracy is one of the most pressing questions of our time,” explained Dr Müller.
“This project brings together a group of 25 political scientists, media and communication scholars, and computer scientists to build collaborative networks, develop frameworks for assessing the risks and opportunities of AI for democracy, and engage the public through seminars and training workshops.”
Integrating expertise from political science, communication studies, and computer science, the project will examine the impact of AI on democratic values, electoral integrity, and governance, in close consultation with key societal stakeholders.
Its main activities will include an interdisciplinary research workshop, a grant development workshop and a virtual training programme on AI for research.
Una Europa is an alliance of 11 European universities. The aim of its seed funding initiative is to support long-term collaborative activities among the broad academic community across the partner universities.
The grants support exploratory projects that bring together researchers from different disciplines and countries, preparing them for future joint funding applications.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
