In today’s data-driven world, there is a growing belief that numbers and datasets automatically lead to objective truth. The reality, however, is far more complicated. As digital technologies and AI-supported research methods become more widespread, the way data is interpreted has become just as important as the data itself. Even high-quality, openly available datasets can be used to support misleading conclusions if the reasoning behind them is flawed or incomplete.
This issue will be explored in depth during an upcoming webinar hosted by the data.europa academy on Friday, 27 March 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 CET. The session, titled “Open data, academia, and ethics: fostering trust through data-based reasoning,” marks the beginning of a new series focused on the relationship between open data, academic research, and ethical responsibility. Its goal is to help participants better understand how trust in research is built and why transparency alone is not enough to guarantee reliability.
The webinar will feature insights from two researchers at Inria who specialise in artificial intelligence and argumentation. Elfia Bezou Vrakatseli will demonstrate how data-based arguments can be constructed in ways that appear convincing but are ultimately misleading. Her work highlights that even when data is accurate, weak or hidden assumptions can distort the conclusions drawn from it. Ameer Saadat-Yazdi will complement this perspective by explaining the differences between human reasoning and computational reasoning. He will explore why these differences matter for interpreting data and how aligning AI systems more closely with human thinking can lead to more reliable and trustworthy outcomes.
A key message of the session is that open data, while essential for transparency, represents only the starting point of any argument. What truly determines the quality of a conclusion is how the data is interpreted, how it is connected to broader claims, and whether the underlying assumptions are made clear. Without this level of scrutiny, even well-intentioned research can contribute to misinformation or misunderstanding.
As the use of AI continues to grow and data becomes more central to decision-making across industries, the ability to critically assess data-based arguments is no longer limited to researchers or academics. It is becoming an essential skill for anyone working with information, whether in business, technology, or media. Recognising manipulation, questioning conclusions, and understanding the limits of data are now fundamental to navigating the modern information landscape.
The webinar offers an opportunity to develop these skills and gain practical insights into how data can both inform and mislead. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their place. In addition, the data.europa academy provides a range of learning paths for those interested in deepening their understanding of open data and its applications. For ongoing updates, users can follow their channels on social media or subscribe to their newsletter.
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