Projects of UNN AI Centre presented at the All-Russian Business Media Forum
Lobachevsky University’s Centre for AI in Journalism showcased its projects at the 16th All-Russian Forum of Business Media in Moscow. Several projects of the UNN Centre for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and Mass Communication were presented at the section titled "Algorithms, Big Data, Platforms: Challenges for Modern Media," which took place at the International Multimedia Press Centre of the Rossiya Segodnya media group. The event was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Union of Journalists of Russia, and the Rossiya Segodnya media group.
Taking part in the section were representatives from leading Russian universities and the professional media community. The discussion focused on the impact of algorithms, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies on the evolution of the modern media landscape, the transformation of editorial practices, and the emergence of new professional requirements. Elena Vartanova, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism at Lomonosov Moscow State University, moderated the debate.
In her opening remarks, Elena Vartanova emphasised that technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, are becoming in the current conditions an important subject in the media sphere, and discussions about digital solutions are inextricably linked to issues of quality, responsibility, and the maintenance of professional standards.
Ludmila Makarova, Head of the UNN AI Centre, and Ilya Pomerantsev, a researcher at the Centre, delivered a report on the practical aspects of AI application in journalism and mass communication. Their presentation highlighted the Centre's projects, some of which are being developed as part of the Priority 2030 programme. Particular attention was given to solutions aimed at automating the analysis of media content and verifying information accuracy. Among the showcased tools were a system for searching and extracting context from news resources to create thematic samples and analyse the information agenda, and a generative AI-based pipeline for statement verification—the AUTOFACTCHECK platform, which compares statements with verified sources and helps to identify false information.
It was noted that these tools developed at the Centre are considered as the basis for creating a comprehensive platform for automated fact-checking and are focused on application in media practices, educational activities, and scientific research.
"Participating in the All-Russian Business Media Forum is a great honour for us. We are thankful to Elena Leonidovna Vartanova for inviting us to speak at the "Algorithms, Big Data, Platforms: Challenges for Modern Media" section and for the opportunity to share our experience in creating AI technologies in the media field. I would like to express my special gratitude for the recognition of Lobachevsky University's initiative to establish Russia's first Centre for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism. It is also important to note the high level of our colleagues' presentations and the relevance of the aspects of AI application in modern journalism that they discussed," said Ludmila Makarova.
