FARI Conference 2025
AI, Robots, & Us:
Living with Intelligent Agents?
November 17 - 18, 2025 | Brussels, Belgium
The 2025 FARI Brussels Conference, returned for its fourth edition on November 17-18, 2025. This two-day event brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and engaged citizens to explore the growing role of AI and robotics in our daily lives. Conference Day on November 17 took place at Studio Flagey, while Partners Day on November 18 was hosted at BeCentral, in the city center of Brussels. The conference featured keynote presentations, interactive discussions, and opportunities for collaboration. This year’s theme, AI, Robots & Us: Living with Intelligent Agents?, examined how AI systems and robotic agents are shaping our future and what it means to live alongside them in a rapidly evolving world.
The event was an opportunity to learn about the pressing questions surrounding the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, and their societal impact.
2
800+
Days
Participants
50
10+
Speakers
Sessions
AI, Robotics, and Us
Living with Intelligent Agents?
AI and robotic agents are playing an increasingly prominent role in our society. From automating domestic, private, and public tasks to advancing scientific discoveries, supporting healthcare, and even being deployed in warfare, their influence is expanding. While autonomy levels vary, it’s evident that we are progressively entrusting AI and robotics with critical aspects of our lives.
As we approach this transformation, the 2025 FARI Conference addressed essential questions: What defines an ‘agent’? What does it mean to live alongside them?
Looking toward the future, how can we ensure democratic values, safety, and other crucial safeguards for a desirable and ethical future?
Who joined?
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Scientists and experts had the opportunity to network with peers and contribute to discussions and advancements in the field of AI, data processing, and robotics research.
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Administrators gained insights and resources to assess AI, data, and robotics in public services, enhancing their work. They also learnt about informed policy-making for Europe's economic competitiveness and societal well-being.
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Entrepreneurs explored how private innovations can lead to public benefits, considering factors like regulation, collaboration, and corporate social responsibility.
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Citizens delved into AI's impact on Europe's economy and society, discussing its creative and societal implications. They had the chance to connect with experts and find answers to pressing questions.
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#FARI2025 was held on November 17 at Studio Flagey
The first day of the conference took place at Flagey, featuring keynote talks and panel sessions throughout the day.
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A second Partners Day was held on November 18 at BeCentral
The second day, co-organized with various partners, featured a dozen of sessions running all day on a wide range of topics.
Meet the speakers of the 2025 edition
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Marion Carré
Co-founder and president of Ask Mona
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Arvind Narayanan
Professor of computer science, Princeton University Director, Center for Information Technology Policy
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Carl Mörch
FARI Co-director
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Claudia Chwalisz
Founder & CEO of DemocracyNext
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Geoffrey Aerts
FARI Academic Director - Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
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Jordi Cabot
Head of the Software Engineering RDI Unit at LIST ｜FNR Pearl Chair ｜Affiliate Professor in CS at University of Luxembourg
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Pieter Ballon
Vice-rector research Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Director of imec-SMIT
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Meike Nauta
Senior AI consultant at Datacation | Ass. Professor at TU Eindhove
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Gregory Lewkowicz
FARI Academic Director - Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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James Wilson
AI Ethicist in the AI Labs | Lead AI Architect | Advocate for the Safe AI for Children Alliance (SAIFCA)
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Jarmo Eskelinen
Executive Director at Data-Driven Innovation Initiative
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Karen Boers
Managing Director
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Marius Gilbert
Full Professor, Vice-rector of research and valorization, Vice-rector of culture and scientific mediation at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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Tom Lenaerts
FARI Academic Director - Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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Jin Zhijing
Incoming Assistant Professor at University of Toronto
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Tony Belpaeme
Professor at Ghent University, Senior Researcher at imec and Visiting Professor at the University of Plymouth.
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Ronald Leenes
Professor in Regulation by Technology at the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (Tilburg University).
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Vanessa Matz
Federal Minister in charge of Public Action and Modernization
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Xabier Barandiaran
Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country and researcher at the IAS-Research Centre for Life, Mind, and Society
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Sasha Vezhnevets
Research Scientist at Google DeepMind
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Silvia Erzeel
Silvia Erzeel is Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science and the VUB Centre for Democratic Futures
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Ann Nowé
FARI Academic Director - Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
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Katrīna Kūkuma
Data Analyst at Riga City Council
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Morten Irgens
Vice Dean of Innovation and Impact, Copenhagen Business School, Strategic advisor, Kristiania, Director of CAIRNE, NORA, and Adra
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Hugues Bersini
Professor in Université Libre de Bruxelles and Co-Director of the IRIDIA laboratory.
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Patrice Latinne
Partner at EY and the AI & Data Solutions Leader
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Martin Isaksson
GTM lead at RedHat
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Francesco Raphaël Frieri
Director General for Resources, Europe, Innovation, and Institutions of the Emilia-Romagna Region
Catch up on #FARI2025
Missed a session? The full recordings of the first day will be available on our YouTube channel soon!
Contact Us
FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute
FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute is a non-profit university institute on AI, data and robotics focused on the Common Good. We are jointly initiated by two Brussels universities (VUB & ULB) – uniting interdisciplinary expertise across 10 research groups on AI, data, robotics, social sciences, ethics, and law.
We do research and build bridges with public administrations, industry, and citizens, promoting sustainable AI, data & robotics with a focus on urban and public priority domains such as health, mobility, sustainable robotics, climate and energy, participatory and inclusive society.