6th Edition AI, Sovereignty and Sustainable Transformation The Tunisian & Mediterranean Challenge
Overview
The SMU Research Days Conference 2026 will take place on June 15th – 16th at South Mediterranean University, Tunisia. This annual event provides an international platform for presenting innovative research, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and policy communities across the Mediterranean region.
The 2026 edition is organized around the theme “AI, Sovereignty, and Sustainable Transformation: The Tunisian & Mediterranean Challenge.” It explores how artificial intelligence contributes to digital sovereignty, sustainable development, and regional transformation in the context of global technological shifts. Particular attention is given to challenges and opportunities relevant to Tunisia and the broader Mediterranean region, while encouraging international perspectives.
Researchers, practitioners, and graduate students worldwide are invited to submit original research papers and case studies addressing these strategic priorities.
June 15th – 16th , 2026 | South Mediterranean University, Tunisia
Hybrid Format: In-person and Online Participation
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Tarek Kahlaoui
Iness Jebabli
Sarra Labidi Bouassida
Hind Houas
Ayoub Bousselmi
Houda Nsir
Organized by the South Mediterranean University Research Center
www.smu.tn|Tunis, Tunisia
Conference Tracks
Submissions should align with one of the following thematic tracks:
Track 1 — AI & Sustainable Development (SDG 9, 13)
Regulation, institutional frameworks, and policy adaptation
Public sector transformation and AI adoption
Fairness, transparency, accountability, and trust
Digital inclusion and inequality
Track 4 — Applied AI & Engineering (SDG 3, 9)
Machine learning and data science applications in industry
Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent infrastructure
Cloud computing and secure digital architectures
Digital health, telemedicine, and medical technologies
Blockchain and cybersecurity for resilient ecosystems
Track 5 — AI, Education & Society (SDG 4, 10)
Education reform and intelligent learning environments
Workforce transformation, future skills, and the labor market
AI literacy, societal adoption, and human–AI collaboration
Digital inclusion and mitigating algorithmic inequality
Ethics of AI in social and cultural contexts
Event Highlights & Strategic Impact
Tunis AI Outlook 2026: Policy White Paper with strategic recommendations for Tunisia’s digital transition.
Publication Opportunity: Selected full papers will be invited for a Special Issue of the South Mediterranean Review of Business and Technology.
Track Excellence Awards: One Best Paper Award will be presented for each conference track, recognizing outstanding and high-impact research contributions.
AI Demonstration Lab: Showcase of innovative startups and AI prototypes.
Panels & Networking: Discussions on responsible AI and collaboration between academia and industry.
Global Plenaries: Dialogues on Digital Sovereignty, AI ethics, and Mediterranean geopolitics.
Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted via email to: researchcenter@smu.tn No registration fees are required for participation.
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: April 12, 2026 (23:59)
Acceptance Notification: May 11, 2026
Conference Dates: June 15–16, 2026
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