AI is reshaping how knowledge is produced and trusted. During the WASP-HS Summer School 2026, participants examines how AI influences the ways societies understand themselves and the world around them.

This week, the WASP-HS Summer School 2026 welcomes over 70 PhD students from more than twenty universities across Sweden and Europe to Umeå University. The PhD students explore how algorithms shape power, knowledge, truth, democracy, and society at large. This year’s summer school is hosted by the WASP-HS research environment AI, Power and Politics.

“AI is transforming society. The conversation cannot stop at generative AI or neural networks, because discussing these technologies also means addressing economics, power, labour, and the wider systems that AI is reshaping,” says Simon Lindgren, Professor of Sociology at Umeå University and research leader of AI, Power and Politics.

At the start of the week, the PhD students formed groups and selected a real-world case that highlighted the intersection of AI, power, and politics. As the Summer School progresse, each day introduces new perspectives on the topic through lectures, collaborative discussions, the exhibition AI and the Paradox of Agency at Bildmuseet, a visit to Humlab, shared dinners, and other activities.

More Photos from the Summer School