Observatory on Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies

Objectives and responsibilities

UIC Barcelona is home to the Observatory on Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies (OIANT), whose objective is threefold: to conduct interdisciplinary research, promote the use of AI among teaching staff and bring knowledge of AI and other technologies closer to society, leading by example in the responsible and advanced use of such technologies.

The OIANT also encourages public debate on the ethical and social implications of these technologies. Additionally, the Observatory organises conferences, seminars, round tables and sessions from expert speakers to discuss and cultivate knowledge in this field.

Organisation

In order to fulfil its objectives, the OIANT has endorsed the creation of working and evaluation groups in each faculty at UIC Barcelona. These groups are made up of teaching and research staff members and professionals who are experts in different areas of knowledge.

The Observatory is led by Frederic Marimon Viadiu holds a PhD in Business Administration and is a tenured professor and the vice-dean of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at UIC Barcelona. He earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in Business Management from IESE in Barcelona.

Events

The UIC Barcelona Observatory on Artificial Intelligence (OIANT) organised two sessions to reflect on Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical by Pope Leo XIV, and its relevance in addressing today’s human, social and technological challenges.

12/06/2026

Magnifica Humanitas: Key Insights into Leo XIV’s First Encyclical
Conference by Mgr Marc Teixidor, a priest at the University and holder of a PhD in Canon Law.
An overview of the main themes and contributions of Leo XIV’s first encyclical, together with a reflection on its relevance in today’s context.

30/06/2026

Roundtable discussion: AI and Humanism: Challenges and Opportunities After the Encyclical
Roundtable discussion featuring Pep Martorell, an expert in technological strategy, supercomputing and artificial intelligence, and Dr Domènec Melé, priest and holder of a PhD in Industrial Engineering, moderated by Esther Jiménez, vice-rector for Students and Sustainability at UIC Barcelona.
We explored the encyclical’s main ideas in greater depth and discussed its implications for humanity, society and technology.

Contact

You can contact the Observatory at: oiant@uic.es