META/e Conference on Transparency, Technology and AI in Peer Review

Location: De Zwarte Doos, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5 June 2026

This conference focuses on the use of technology and AI-based tools in peer review, grant evaluation, and research assessment. Taking place on June 5, it addresses how these technologies are being introduced into review processes, what problems they are meant to solve, and what new risks they may create for research quality, fairness, and accountability. The event aims to critically examining practical experiences, emerging norms, and governance questions around technology-assisted review. Through exchange between experts from research, funding, publishing, policy, and science journalism, the conference seeks to clarify where technology can genuinely support evaluation processes and where clear boundaries, oversight, or restraint are needed to safeguard trust and integrity in science.

Maximum attendees: 100
Organizers: Vlasta Sikimić, Cristian Mesquida, Dvija Mehta

Please Register here: Conference on Transparency, Technology and AI in Peer Review – Collaboration

Registration is on first-come basis.

Conference Program

09:30 – 10:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee (filmzaal, De Zwarte Doos building)
Arrival, name badges, informal networking

10:00 – 10:15 | Opening Remarks
Speaker: Vlasta Sikimić
Welcome and introduction to the workshop. Overview of the motivation, goals, and structure of the day.

10:15 – 11:15 | Motivations
Two talks introducing key motivations for discussing AI in peer review.
Cristian Mesquida — Metacheck: Improving Research Quality Before Submission
Dvija Mehta — Epistemic Responsibility in Science and the Role of Disclosure Policies
(Approx. 20 min talk + 10 min q&a discussion each)

11:15 – 11:45 | Coffee Break

11:45 – 12:45 | Keynote
Speaker: Jamie Cummins, University of Bern Format: 40 min talk + 20 min Q&A

12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch Break
On-site lunch and informal networking.

13:45 – 14:45 | Panel Discussion
The Multi-Stakeholder Future of Peer Review

Panelists:
Puck Windschult, NWO
Matthijs Timmermans, Policy Officer at Neth-ER
Hein Duijf, Universiteit Utrecht
Felienne Hermans, Universiteit Amsterdam
Marieke van Duin, Programme officer at NWO

Topics include governance of AI in peer review, incentives for research integrity, and the roles of publishers, funders, and researchers.

14:45 – 15:15 | Coffee Break

15:15 – 17:00 | Interactive Workshops

Participants can attend up to two workshops; however, they may be reassigned to a different session if capacity limits are reached.
Workshop 1 — Automated Review vs. Lottery
Facilitator: Finn Luebber, University of Luebeck
Workshop 2 — Scientific Monoculture and Bias Amplification
Facilitator: Krist Vaesen, Eindhoven University of Technology
Workshop 3 — Verification Strategies for AI-Accelerated Science
Facilitator: Yara Daamen, Eindhoven University of Technology
Workshop 4 — FAIR Validation
Facilitator: Michèle Nuijten, Tilburg University Each group will present a short summary of insights.

17:00 – 17:30 | Final Conclusions
Summary of key insights from the talks, panel discussion, and workshops.

This event is sponsored by the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Center of Humans & Technology. For more information about the center and its initiatives, please visit: Humans and Technology.