The DCU Law and Tech Research Cluster has joined HARNESS, a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funded Doctoral Network. HARNESS—Harnessing AI and Data-Intensive Technologies—brings together leading European institutions to train 13 PhD researchers in the fields of ethics, law, and technology.

The network is designed to foster multidisciplinary, international collaboration, equipping early-stage researchers to address the ethical, legal, and socio-technical challenges posed by AI and data-driven technologies. At DCU, the project is led by Dr Edoardo Celeste (School of Law & Government, Coordinator of the DCU Law and Tech Research Cluster, DELI Deputy Director), Dr Harshvardhan Pandit (School of Computing), and Prof. Bert Gordijn (School of Theology, Philosophy & Music). Together, they will co-supervise two PhD students as part of the network.

HARNESS strengthens the leadership of the DCU Law and Tech Research Cluster in doctoral training at the intersection of AI and society, with a strong emphasis on European values, digital sovereignty, and the broader societal and economic implications of emerging technologies. The project is funded for four years, running until December 2028.