DAFNI · WHITE PAPER WORKSHOP 2026
Trustworthy and Explainable AI-for-Science Framework
For Climate-Resilient Geoinfrastructure
25 November 2026
Wednesday
09:00–16:00 GMT
Hybrid Event
Civil Seminar Room 3.13, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Advancing Trustworthy AI for Climate-Resilient Geoinfrastructure
Climate change and extreme weather are placing growing pressure on geoinfrastructure, river systems and the wider built environment. At the same time, artificial intelligence offers new opportunities to monitor infrastructure, improve predictions and support more resilient engineering decisions.
This workshop brings together researchers, infrastructure specialists and early-career researchers to develop a shared framework for trustworthy, explainable and scientifically grounded AI.
Towards a Collaborative White Paper
The discussions will help identify research priorities, establish a common framework and guide future implementation through DAFNI.
RESEARCH THEMES
Workshop Aims
Exploring how trustworthy, explainable and physics-informed AI can support climate-resilient geoinfrastructure through four interconnected research questions.
01 · Physics-Informed AI
How can scientific knowledge and physical principles be incorporated into AI models?
03 · Environmental Impact
How can AI connect infrastructure performance with environmental impacts?
02 · Trust & Explainability
How can uncertainty, reliability and explainability be assessed?
04 · DAFNI Integration
How can datasets, models and research workflows be implemented and shared through the DAFNI platform?
The discussions will help identify research priorities and contribute to the development of a collaborative white paper.
SPEAKERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Keynote Speakers
Invited speakers and contributors from leading universities, research institutions and the DAFNI platform.
Prof. Zili Li
University College Cork
Space Geotechnics & Resilient Infrastructure
Prof. Jonathan Knappett
University of Oxford
Sustainable Geotechnics & Infrastructure Resilience
Prof. Zhongqiang Liu
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
Geotechnical Resilience & Intelligent Modelling
Prof. David P Connolly
University of Leeds
AI-Driven Civil Infrastructure & Climate Resilience
Dr Sam Stanier
University of Cambridge
Offshore Geotechnics & Advanced Soil Modelling
Dr Enrico Soranzo
Horizon Europe GRID Project
Geotechnical Resilience through Intelligent Design
Workshop Co-Chairs
Dr Xiaohui Chen — University of Leeds, DAFNI Fellow
Dr Tom Kirkham — DAFNI Scientific Lead
Further keynote speakers and presentation titles will be added as invitations are accepted and details are confirmed.
WORKSHOP PROGRAMME
Programme Highlights
The workshop will feature keynote presentations, research contributions and collaborative discussions to shape future directions in trustworthy AI for geoinfrastructure.
Keynote Talks
Invited presentations from leading researchers and experts.
Research Presentations
Short presentations from invited researchers and project partners, approximately 10 minutes each.
Early-Career Research Showcase
Poster contributions and approximately five-minute presentations from early-career researchers.
Interactive Discussions
Exchange ideas, identify research challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.
White Paper & Next Steps
Identify research priorities, potential white-paper contributions and opportunities for DAFNI integration.
A detailed programme and presentation schedule will be shared as arrangements are confirmed.
WHO SHOULD JOIN
Who Should Attend?
This workshop welcomes researchers, industry professionals and policymakers working across geoinfrastructure, climate resilience and artificial intelligence
Geotechnical & Civil Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Uncertainty & Explainable AI
Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Physics-Informed & Hybrid Modelling
Hydrology & Environmental Systems
Digital Twins & Infrastructure Data
Early-career researchers and PhD students are particularly encouraged to participate.
GET INVOLVED
Registration & Call for Contributions
Join us in person or online and contribute to shaping the future of trustworthy AI for climate-resilient geoinfrastructure.
Free Registration
25 November 2026 · Hybrid Event
Participation is free. Attend at the University of Leeds or join online.
Call for Posters
PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career researchers are invited to submit a poster.
Up to 10 posters will be selected. Each presenter will have approximately 5 minutes.
Mr Jiaxian Li
Call for Presentations
Researchers and professionals from academia and industry are invited to express their interest.
Six presentations will be invited, each approximately 10 minutes long.
Dr Xiaohui Chen
Submission Deadline: 11 November 2026
A second announcement is planned around 1 November 2026.
WORKSHOP IMPACT
Expected Outcomes
The workshop aims to translate interdisciplinary discussions into practical research directions, collaborative outputs and future implementation opportunities.
Collaborative White Paper
Develop a shared vision for trustworthy and explainable AI in climate-resilient geoinfrastructure.
DAFNI Integration
Identify opportunities to implement and share datasets, models and research workflows through DAFNI.
AI-for-Science Framework
Connect infrastructure data, physical models, AI methods and engineering decision-making.
Future Collaborations
Build connections across academia, industry, government and international research projects.
ORGANISATION & PARTNERS
Organisers & Supporting Organisations
Workshop Co-Chairs
Dr Xiaohui Chen
University of Leeds, DAFNI Fellow
Dr Tom Kirkham
DAFNI Scientific Lead
Supporting Organisations
