Kick-off digital labour network

Digital labour is rapidly transforming the world of work. From platform-mediated gig work and AI data annotation to remote work and algorithmic management, digital technologies are reshaping how work is organised, raising important questions about fairness, transparency, equality, and worker participation. Researchers across Utrecht University are already exploring these issues from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, creating exciting opportunities for collaboration. The Kick-off of the Utrecht University Digital Labour Network marks the launch of a new interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing research on digital labour.

Researchers from all disciplines and career stages—from PhD candidates to full professors—who work on digital labour in the broadest sense are warmly invited to attend. Whether your research focuses on the gig economy, content moderation, AI, remote work, or digital technologies in more traditional workplaces, this event offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of the Utrecht University Digital Labour Network.

Programme

The afternoon begins with a Meet & Eat lunch, followed by a keynote lecture by Uma Rani, Senior Economist at the International Labour Organization (ILO), who will discuss the state of digital labour research in 2026 and engage with participants during a Q&A session. The programme continues with collaborative idea mapping to identify shared research interests and future directions for the network, research pitches from network members, and concludes with drinks and an opportunity to continue the conversation.

Organisation

This event is supported and made possible by the SSH sector plan theme The Human Factor in New Technologies and the cross-cutting sector plan theme Welfare, Participation and Citizenship in a Digital World.

Registration

If you want to join the kick-off, please register via the online form (link below). Lunch and drinks are included and there will be no participation fee.