IAIA25

Impact Assessment in the age of Artificial Intelligence

44th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment

1-4 May 2025
Bologna Congressi (Bologna Congress Center)

Bologna, Italy

Theme

Artificial intelligence (AI) will impact every aspect of our lives, our careers, and our environment. It is difficult to predict the effective impact of this new disruptive technology on impact assessment (IA). We are facing the opportunity of using the extraordinary potential of artificial intelligence to support our assessments and our choices.

Like any paradigm innovation capable of impacting every aspect of society, artificial intelligence requires that institutions, IA practitioners, and all stakeholders understand its importance and explore, detect, and contribute to mitigate its effective and pervasive impact on environment.

IAIA25 will create a global, comprehensive, and cooperative dialogue on the strategic role of impact assessment and impact assessment practitioners in the coming AI-based society, stimulating IAIA members and others to share their experiences and suggestions for supporting players with innovative and creative approaches and tools.

Objectives
  • Open a multi-disciplinary discussion on advantages and risks of AI for IA
  • Suggest the use of data-driven approaches into ordinary IA practices
  • Enhance the knowledge of AI tools for impact assessment
  • Share the potential of AI for effective ESG assessment/disclosure/reporting
Conference topics

The conference will focus on these four thematic streams, plus general IA topics and the IAIA special-interest Sections:

  • Impact of AI on impact assessment
  • Data-driven innovation of processes/approaches/methodologies/tools
  • Evidence-based policymaking
  • Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)


IAIA25 will offer over 100 technical sessions (and 50+ are open sessions on general impact assessment topics: biodiversity, climate change, cultural heritage, health, Indigenous peoples, social impact assessment, and more!)No matter your sector—academia, government, industry, donor, consultant, or other—there is something for you.

Invitation to Bologna and IAIA25
Important Dates
Technical visits, training courses, and more

IAIA25 will offer conference sessions, training courses, sponsored meetings, technical visits, and networking events that will promote learning, networking, and making unforgettable memories.

  • One and two-day training courses are offered in the two days prior to the start of the conference. Taught by experienced instructors, these courses cover a wide range of topics.
  • IAIA25 will offer over 100 technical sessions. No matter your sector—academia, government, industry, donor, consultant, or other—there is something for you.
  • Technical visits will be available before and after the conference. Hosted by IA professionals, participants will learn about projects in the region as well as experience some world-famous Italian culture.
  • Networking events such as the welcome reception, speed networking, and banquet offer entertainment and opportunities to expand your network beyond your usual circle.