The panel “Social and Political Sciences and Artificial Intelligence” explores AI not merely as a technological milestone but as a profound social and political force that reshapes our understanding of reality. The central theme suggests that AI has transitioned from a tool that describes the world to an active participant in defining it, raising critical questions about who holds the power of interpretation when knowledge is mediated by algorithms. By questioning whether AI serves as a mechanism for understanding or a mere engine of prediction, the discussion highlights the danger of reducing social complexity to measurable data and the risk of defining “normality” through automated systems. Ultimately, the panel argues that the social and political sciences are more essential than ever; their role is to ensure that critical thought is not constrained by algorithmic logic, but rather enhanced by it, using AI as a lever to illuminate social complexity rather than replace human judgment.
Social and Political Sciences and Artificial Intelligence a panel by Panteion University
Who the
Speakers are:
Speakers
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Vasilis AvdikosVice Rector for Research and Life Long Learning, Panteion University of Social and Political SciencesVasilis Avdikos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economic and Regional Development and the Vice Rector for Research and Lifelong Learning at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. After graduating from the University of Piraeus, he completed his postgraduate and doctoral studies in the United Kingdom, at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Sheffield, respectively.
His research work focuses on contemporary economic and social issues, including:
Spatial Inequalities and Regional Development
Social Economy, the “Commons,” and alternative models of development
Creative Economy and new forms of laborHe possesses extensive experience in managing high-level programs, having served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for international research projects funded by the European Commission — Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Interreg — as well as national bodies, including H.F.R.I. and IKY.
He has published research papers in numerous scientific journals in the fields of Economic and Urban Geography, Regional Development, and Cultural Studies, and has edited three collective volumes.
He provides consultancy services to public bodies and local government organizations, bridging the gap between theory and practice in regional policy.
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Ioannis PitasProfessor and Senior Researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)Ioannis Pitas is a Senior Researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH). He served as a Professor of Computer Science at AUTh from 1994 to 2025 and as the Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Information Analysis (AIIA) Lab. He holds a Diploma and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from AUTh and bears the prestigious titles of IEEE Fellow, EURASIP Fellow, and IEEE Distinguished Lecturer. According to Research.com (2022), he is ranked 1st in Greece and 319th globally in Computer Science, with an h-index of 94 and over 39,400 citations.
His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, computer vision, and machine learning. He has published over 980 papers and 48 book chapters and has authored or edited 16 books. His international standing is marked by 171 invited talks, service as a visiting professor at 12 universities, and participation in the committees of 291 conferences.
He plays a leading role in the scientific community as the Chair of the International AI Doctoral Academy (AIDA) and the Coordinator of the Horizon Europe project TEMA. He was the founder and Chair of the IEEE Autonomous Systems Initiative and has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for 47 of the 75+ research projects in which he has participated. In 2009, he was honored with the AUTh Research Award for having the highest number of citations.
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Stavros KaperonisAssistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Culture at Panteion University of Social and Political SciencesDr. Stavros Kaperonis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Culture at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. His expertise focuses on Digital Design and Communication, with a specialization in User Experience (UX). He holds a PhD from Panteion University, an MSc from the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), and a BSc from the School of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences.
His teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels spans a wide range of subjects centered on the modern digital era, encompassing User and Customer Experience, including Shopping Experience and Digital Strategic Design Communications, as well as Digital Media, Applications, and Audiovisual Production, with a focus on Web and App design, UX, mobile video, podcasting, and multimedia editing. Furthermore, his expertise extends to Marketing and Communication — covering Advertising, International Marketing Management, Social Media, and Cultural Communication — as well as the intersection of Technology, AI and Research, specifically in Applied Experience Design, Immersive Media, Artificial Intelligence, 3D/Virtual Environments, and Mixed Reality (VR/XR).
His active involvement in research is demonstrated by his role as Principal Investigator (PI) in several competitive national and European projects, including NSRF, H.F.R.I., and Erasmus+. These projects focus on the development of AI-driven innovative platforms and User Experience (UX) evaluation.
He possesses extensive international experience as a Visiting Professor in Shanghai, Rome, and Florence, and has completed advanced professional training at world-class institutions, including SDA Bocconi and ETH Zurich.
His research activity is reflected in numerous publications in international journals and edited volumes, and has been repeatedly recognized with Best Paper Awards.
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Kostas KarpouzisAssociate Professor at the Department of Communication, Media and Culture of of Social and Political SciencesKostas Karpouzis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication, Media and Culture of Panteion University. His research focuses on developing algorithms that make computing systems more adaptive to human interaction, combining Artificial Intelligence with natural interaction concepts. This work is developed within frameworks that adhere to ethics and inclusion principles, while drawing on concepts from both ancient and modern philosophy.
In addition, he specializes in the use of digital games and gamification as educational tools. His research in this field focuses on supporting the instruction of both academic and social skills, targeting children and adults in both formal classroom settings and informal learning environments.
Awards & Institutional Role:
Research Experience: Since 1998, he has participated in over 20 international projects, including the award-winning Siren and Navigo, with an emphasis on Affective Computing and mental health, including the ECoWeB project.
Ethics & Technology: He is a member of the National Bioethics and Technoethics Commission and serves as an evaluator for the European Research Council (ERC).
Science Communication: A distinguished TEDx speaker and content creator for TED-Ed, he is an advocate for computational literacy, contributing to initiatives such as Girls Go Coding and EU Code Week.
He is the creator of the lesson “Can machines read your emotions?” for the TED-Ed platform.